Easy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe | Cheesy & Delicious

This article covers everything you need to know to make the best homemade baked mac and cheese. It explains the key ingredients like quality cheese, the right pasta shape, and a creamy sauce base. It also walks you through each step of the cooking process, from boiling the pasta to baking it with a crispy topping. Extra tips help you boost flavor and texture, and serving suggestions give you new ways to enjoy the dish.

What makes the best homemade baked mac and cheese

The best homemade baked mac and cheese starts with the right ingredients and techniques. Here’s what sets it apart:

Quality Cheese

Use a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor. Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan work well. Avoid pre-shredded cheese—it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Perfect Pasta

Elbow macaroni is classic, but cavatappi or shells hold cheese sauce better. Cook pasta al dente—it’ll soften more in the oven.

Creamy Sauce

A rich béchamel base with butter, flour, and milk ensures a velvety texture. Add mustard or hot sauce for a subtle kick.

Crispy Topping

Breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or extra cheese create a golden, crunchy crust. Panko works great for extra crunch.

Baking Time

Bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden, usually 20-25 minutes. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.

• Use full-fat dairy for creaminess
• Season well with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
• For extra richness, stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream

Simple ingredients for creamy baked mac and cheese

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make a killer homemade baked mac and cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta

12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni or similar short pasta. Cook it al dente—it’ll finish in the oven.

Cheese

A mix of cheeses works best. Try:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar (shredded)
• 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack
• ½ cup Parmesan (grated)

Sauce Base

For a rich, creamy sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or dry)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Topping

For that perfect crunch:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup extra shredded cheese

Optional add-ins:

• Pinch of nutmeg for warmth
• Hot sauce for a little heat
• Cooked bacon or breadcrumbs for texture

Step-by-step guide to baking mac and cheese at home

Follow these simple steps for the perfect homemade baked mac and cheese every time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil 12 oz elbow macaroni in salted water for 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

• Melt 4 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in ¼ cup flour to form a roux. Cook 1-2 minutes.
• Slowly pour in 3 cups warm milk, whisking constantly.
• Stir in 1 tsp mustard, ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar and 1 cup Gruyère until melted.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until fully coated. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter, and ¼ cup shredded cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Pro tip: For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese before baking.

Tips for extra cheesy and crispy baked mac and cheese

Want to take your homemade baked mac and cheese to the next level? Try these tips for maximum cheesiness and crunch.

For Extra Cheesy Mac and Cheese

• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack for depth of flavor.
• Add ¼ cup cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce for extra richness.
• Stir in an extra ½ cup shredded cheese before baking.
• Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a sharp, salty kick.

For Extra Crispy Topping

• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular—they crisp up better.
• Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a deeper golden color.
• Add crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes for extra crunch.

Bonus Tips

• Undercook pasta slightly—it’ll absorb more cheese sauce in the oven.
• Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.
• For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the topping.

Try these tweaks to make your baked mac and cheese the star of any meal.

Serving suggestions and variations for your recipe

Homemade baked mac and cheese is versatile. Here’s how to serve it and switch it up.

Serving Suggestions

• As a main dish with a side salad or steamed veggies.
• Alongside fried chicken or BBQ ribs for a hearty meal.
• With garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheese.
• Topped with hot sauce or extra black pepper for a kick.

Easy Variations

• Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky twist.
• Mix in sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Swap in lobster or shrimp for a seafood version.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a GF option.

Kid-Friendly Ideas

• Cut into squares for easy finger food.
• Top with crushed potato chips for extra crunch.
• Stir in hot dogs for a fun twist.

Try these ideas to keep your baked mac and cheese exciting every time.