Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Easy & Cheesy

This baked mac and cheese recipe uses elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, a roux-based cheese sauce, and a buttery panko topping. It takes 45–60 minutes to bake and serves 6–8. Key steps include boiling pasta al dente, making a smooth cheese sauce with fresh shredded cheese, and baking with a breadcrumb crust. Tips cover sauce consistency, cheese choices, and pasta types. Variations include different cheeses, add-ins like bacon or jalapeños, and dietary swaps such as gluten-free pasta or vegan cheese.

Ingredients Needed for Baked Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or tubular pasta
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream optional for extra richness
• 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika

Breadcrumb Topping

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon

Ingredient Notes

Cook time: 45-60 minutes. Serves 6-8 people.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

• Bring large pot of salted water to boil
• Add 8 oz elbow macaroni
• Cook 1 minute less than package directions
• Drain and set aside

Make Cheese Sauce

• Melt 2 tbsp butter in saucepan over medium heat
• Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and salt
• Cook 2 minutes stirring constantly
• Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk
• Simmer 5 minutes until thickened
• Remove from heat
• Stir in 2 cups cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella in batches

Combine and Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F
• Mix pasta with cheese sauce
• Transfer to 9x13 baking dish
• In small bowl mix 1/2 cup panko, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/4 cup parmesan
• Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over top
• Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly

Cooking Timeline

Tips for Creamy Cheese Sauce

Perfect Roux Base

• Use equal parts butter and flour by weight
• Cook roux for 2 minutes minimum
• Whisk constantly to prevent lumps
• Gradually add cold milk to avoid clumps

Cheese Selection

• Use freshly shredded cheese only
• Mix sharp cheddar with mild cheese for balance
• Avoid pre-shredded varieties
• Add cheese off heat to prevent graininess

Temperature Control

• Keep heat at medium-low when adding cheese
• Never let sauce boil after cheese is added
• Stir gently in figure-8 motions
• If sauce splits, add small amount cold milk

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Enhancement Additions

• Pinch cayenne pepper for subtle kick
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard for depth
• Fresh garlic minced 1 clove
• Dash hot sauce like Frank's RedHot

Best Pasta Types to Use

Classic Choices

• Elbow macaroni - most popular option
• Shells - hold sauce well
• Penne - ridges catch cheese
• Rigatoni - large tubes perfect for baking

Alternative Shapes

• Fusilli - spiral holds creamy sauce
• Cavatappi - corkscrew shape fun for kids
• Ziti - long tubes great for casseroles
• Ditalini - small tubes for bite-sized pieces

Cooking Guidelines

• Cook pasta 1 minute under package time
• Pasta finishes cooking in oven
• Well-salted water essential
• Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining

Pasta Size Comparison

Gluten-Free Options

• Brown rice pasta - holds shape well
• Chickpea pasta - high protein content
• Quinoa pasta - nutty flavor complements cheese
• Corn pasta - neutral taste

All pasta types should be boiled in generously salted water for best flavor absorption.

Optional Toppings and Variations

Crunchy Toppings

• Panko breadcrumbs with herbs
• Crushed potato chips
• Fried onions or shallots
• Toasted nuts - pecans or walnuts

Cheese Variations

• Gouda for smoky flavor
• Pepper jack for spicy kick
• Gruyere for nutty taste
• Fontina for buttery richness

Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

• Cooked bacon bits
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Roasted garlic cloves
• Chopped jalapeños

Flavor Boosters

Dietary Modifications

• Use almond milk for dairy-free version
• Vegan cheese替代 cheddar
• Gluten-free pasta shapes
• Egg-free by omitting tempering step

International Twists

• Add taco seasoning and serve with salsa
• Mix in curry powder for Indian-inspired version
• Use feta and sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean
• Incorporate kimchi for Korean fusion