Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Cheesy & Easy

This article provides a complete guide to making baked mac and cheese from scratch. It lists essential ingredients including pasta, cheese types, butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. It gives step-by-step cooking instructions for boiling pasta, making cheese sauce with roux base, combining pasta and sauce, and baking with breadcrumb topping. The article also shares tips for creamy cheese sauce, baking variations, serving suggestions, and dietary modifications.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredients

You need basic pantry items for homemade baked mac and cheese.

Use these core ingredients for a rich, creamy dish:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or tubular pasta
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 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
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Cheese Blend Options

Mix cheeses for better flavor and texture.

Pantry Add-ons

Add these for extra flavor depth:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Breadcrumb Topping

Mix for crunchy top layer:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Measure ingredients before starting. This prevents lumpy cheese sauce and ensures even cooking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make baked mac and cheese from scratch.

Prepare the Pasta

• Boil 4 quarts salted water in large pot
• Add 8 oz elbow macaroni
• Cook 1 minute less than package al dente time
• Drain and set aside

Make Cheese Sauce

Start with roux base:

• Melt 2 tbsp butter in saucepan over medium heat
• Whisk in 2 tbsp flour
• Cook 1-2 minutes until golden
• Gradually add 1 1/2 cups milk, whisking constantly
• Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Simmer 3-5 minutes until thickened

Add cheese to sauce:

• Remove from heat
• Stir in 2 cups cheddar in small batches
• Add 1/2 cup mozzarella
• Mix in salt, pepper, paprika

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add Topping and Bake

Prepare breadcrumb mix:

• Mix 1/2 cup panko, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/4 cup parmesan
• Sprinkle evenly over mac and cheese

Bake process:

• Preheat oven to 375°F
• Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes
• Last 5 minutes: switch to broil for golden top
• Rest 5 minutes before serving

Cover with foil if edges brown too fast. Resting lets sauce set for cleaner slices.

Cheese Sauce Tips for Creaminess

Master creamy cheese sauce with these key techniques.

Roux Base Ratio

Use equal parts butter and flour:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes

Cook until pale gold color. Undercooked flour tastes raw. Overcooked makes gritty sauce.

Milk Temperature Control

Heat milk to lukewarm before adding to roux. Pour slowly while whisking.

Cheese Melting Technique

Shred cheese yourself for best melt:

• Sharp cheddar - 1 cup
• Mozzarella - 1/2 cup
• Grated parmesan - 1/4 cup

Add cheese in small batches. Stir until fully melted before adding more.

Heavy Cream Addition

Add 1/2 cup heavy cream to base:

• Boosts richness
• Prevents drying
• Improves stretch

Stir cream into roux-milk mixture before cheese. Heat gently until just simmering.

Seasoning Balance

Essential flavor enhancers:

• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/4 teaspoon
• Mustard powder - pinch

Season at end. Salt affects cheese melting point. Too much causes stringy texture.

Fixing Common Issues

Strain sauce through fine mesh if lumps persist. Cool slightly before combining with pasta.

Baking and Topping Ideas

Elevate your baked mac and cheese with creative toppings and baking methods.

ClassicBreadcrumb Toppings

Mix these for crunchy finish:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Spread evenly over pasta before baking. Press lightly to adhere.

CheesyCrustVariations

Baking Techniques

Standard method:

• Preheat oven to 375°F
• Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes
• Broil last 5 minutes for browning

LayeredVersions

Create lasagna-style mac:

• Layer pasta and sauce in baking dish
• Add cheese between layers
• Top with breadcrumb mix
• Bake 30 minutes covered, 10 uncovered

Add-InsDuringBaking

Mix into cheese sauce before baking:

• Diced ham - 1 cup
• Cooked bacon bits - 1/2 cup
• Sautéed mushrooms - 1 cup
• Steamed broccoli - 1 cup
• Jalapeños - 1/4 cup sliced

Fold gently to avoid breaking pasta. Add delicate ingredients in last 10 minutes of baking.

MiniBakeOptions

Individual portions:

• Use muffin tin or ramekins
• Fill 3/4 full with pasta mix
• Bake 15-20 minutes at 375°F
• Cool 5 minutes before serving

Ideal for parties or portion control. Sprinkle toppings on each cup separately.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve baked mac and cheese as main dish or side. Pair with complementary flavors.

Classic Serving Pairings

Traditional combinations:

• BBQ pulled pork sliders
• Grilled chicken breast
• Roasted vegetables
• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Corn on the cob
• Garlic bread or rolls

Let rest 5-10 minutes after baking. This sets sauce for easier serving.

ProteinAdditions

VegetableMixIns

Stir into pasta before baking:

• Broccoli florets - blanched 3 minutes
• Cauliflower - roasted with olive oil
• Peas - thawed frozen
• Spinach - wilted fresh leaves
• Bell peppers - sautéed strips
• Mushrooms - browned sliced

DietaryModifications

Gluten-free version:

• Use gluten-free pasta
• Substitute cornstarch for flour in roux
• Check cheese labels for additives

Dairy-free option:

• Omit butter, use olive oil
• Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk
• Use dairy-free cheese alternatives

FlavorEnhancers

Boost base recipe with:

• Truffle oil - drizzle before serving
• Bacon jam - swirl into sauce
• Chipotle peppers - 1-2 minced
• Caramelized onions - 1/2 cup
• Fresh herbs - parsley, chives, thyme

Add hot sauce or cayenne for kick. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

MealPrepTips

Batch cooking methods:

• Double recipe in 9x13 pans
• Portion into individual containers
• Freeze unbaked up to 3 months
• Reheat covered at 350°F 20 minutes

Store leftovers 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat with splash of milk to restore creaminess.