Mac and Cheese Recipe 8 Servings - Easy & Baked

This mac and cheese recipe 8 servings walks through a complete homemade baked dish with a silky cheese sauce and crispy topping. Start with a butter-flour roux then add whole milk and half-and-half for a rich béchamel base. Sharp cheddar and gruyere create a bold flavor profile. Shred cheese from blocks for a smooth non-grainy sauce. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes with a buttered panko crust. Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving for proper sauce set.

Gather ingredients for a large batch.

This mac and cheese recipe 8 servings uses simple pantry staples.

The foundation is a classic béchamel sauce.

You will need the following core components.

Roux and Dairy

The creamy sauce starts with a roux.

Use equal parts butter and all-purpose flour.

For the liquid a mix of whole milk and half-and-half is best.

This creates an extra rich and creamy texture.

If you only have whole milk that also works.

Using room temperature dairy helps the sauce thicken smoothly.

Cheese Selection

The cheese blend defines your mac and cheese.

This recipe uses a classic combination.

Sharp cheddar provides a tangy familiar flavor.

Gruyere adds a nutty salty taste and melts beautifully.

This 2 cheese mac and cheese is a perfect base.

You can experiment with other cheeses.

Fontina Colby Jack or Muenster work well.

Try a 3 cheese homemade mac and cheese for more flavor.

Seasonings and Topping

Simple seasonings enhance the final dish.

• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Paprika (smoked is best)
• Dry Mustard Powder

For a crispy top prepare buttered breadcrumbs.

Toss one cup of panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.

This creates a perfect golden crust when baked.

Prepare a silky cheese sauce base.

A great mac and cheese needs a silky sauce.

This process creates a classic béchamel base.

It ensures a creamy non-grainy texture.

Follow these steps for the perfect easy homemade mac and cheese sauce.

Make the Roux

Melt a half cup of unsalted butter in a large pot.

Use medium heat.

Sprinkle in a half cup of all-purpose flour.

Whisk the butter and flour together constantly.

The mixture should look like wet sand.

Cook the roux for about 60 to 90 seconds.

This removes any raw flour taste.

Some recipes skip the flour. See our homemade mac and cheese recipe without flour.

Create the Béchamel

Slowly pour in your milk and half-and-half.

Add only a little at a time.

Whisk constantly to keep the sauce smooth.

Using room temperature dairy helps prevent lumps.

Continue heating and whisking often.

The sauce will thicken considerably.

It should coat the back of a spoon.

Add the Cheese

Add your shredded cheese in batches.

Stir in about four cups of the cheese blend first.

Stir until it melts completely.

Then add the remaining cheese for the sauce.

Stir again until glossy and velvety.

Finally add your seasonings.

Mix in salt pepper paprika and mustard powder.

Your homemade mac and cheese sauce recipe is now ready for the pasta.

Bake the dish for a crispy finish.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

This prevents the pasta from sticking.

Combine your cooked macaroni with the prepared cheese sauce in a large bowl.

Mix until every noodle is fully coated.

Assemble the Casserole

Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish.

Create a gooey center layer.

Sprinkle about 1.5 cups of shredded cheese over the pasta.

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.

Spread it into an even layer.

Choose Your Topping

For a simple cheesy crust sprinkle the last 1.5 cups of cheese over the top.

For a crunchier finish use buttered breadcrumbs.

Mix one cup of panko breadcrumbs with two tablespoons of melted butter.

Scatter this mixture evenly over the casserole.

This is a key step in many baked mac and cheese recipes.

Baking Time and Temperature

The baking time depends on your desired texture.

For an even crispier crust broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Some southern-style recipes use eggs for a firmer set. See this baked mac and cheese recipe using eggs for an alternative.

This resting period ensures the perfect texture for your homemade baked mac and cheese.