There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. The combination of tender elbow pasta enveloped in a creamy, gooey cheese sauce, topped with a perfectly crispy, golden breadcrumb crust is pure comfort on a plate. This recipe has a special place in my heart, as it brings back memories of family dinners, where everyone eagerly gathered around the table for seconds.

I promise this mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser. With its rich, velvety sauce and irresistible texture, it’s hard not to fall in love. Let’s dive right into the details!

Why You'll Love This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort food. This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is designed to impress even the pickiest eaters and elevate any meal to the next level.

First off, it’s incredibly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or culinary skills to whip up this decadent dish. In less than an hour, you’ll have a casserole of cheesy, creamy goodness ready to enjoy.

It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or hosting a holiday gathering, this mac and cheese is always a hit. One pan goes a long way and can be easily doubled if needed.

Another reason to love this recipe is its adaptability. Want to mix in some bacon, extra veggies, or even a spicy kick? This dish is a blank canvas for all your creative culinary ideas.

Lastly, this recipe achieves the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy cheese sauce contrasts beautifully with the crunchy breadcrumb topping, making every bite a delightful experience. You’re guaranteed to hear "mmm" at the dinner table!

Ingredients Note

The secret to a truly decadent Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese lies in selecting high-quality ingredients that come together harmoniously. Here’s what you’ll need:

Elbow Macaroni forms the base of this dish. I prefer elbow pasta because it holds the cheese sauce so well, but feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells if you’d like.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a must for that classic, tangy flavor. I recommend buying a block and shredding it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives that prevent smooth melting.

Gruyère Cheese adds a nutty, complex flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheddar. If Gruyère is hard to find or a bit pricey, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or even Monterey Jack for a milder taste.

Whole Milk and Heavy Cream form the base of the rich, luscious cheese sauce. The combination of the two creates the perfect consistency. You can use all milk or half-and-half for a lighter option, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as creamy.

Butter and Flour come together to make a roux, which thickens the sauce and gives it a smooth, velvety texture. Don’t rush this step – cooking the roux for a few minutes is crucial to eliminate any floury taste.

Lastly, for that crispy topping, I use a mix of Panko Breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese. The panko creates an ultra-crunchy crust, while the Parmesan adds a burst of salty, savory flavor. A drizzle of melted butter ties it all together, making the topping irresistible.

If you have a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe casserole dish, it will make the transition from stovetop to oven a breeze.

How To Make This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Creating this mouthwatering Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is simpler than you think. Just follow these easy steps for a dish that’s sure to impress!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften while baking.

Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to form a smooth roux. The roux should be golden and slightly bubbly, but not brown.

Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat.

Step 4: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese, a handful at a time. Stir until completely melted and smooth. The key is to add the cheese gradually to prevent clumping or separating.

Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat every piece. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet.

Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving – the sauce will thicken as it sits.

The total time for this dish is around 50 minutes, including prep and baking, but trust me, it’s worth every second. The end result is a decadent, comforting casserole that’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

Storage Options

Have leftovers? This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese stores beautifully and is perfect for meal prep.

To refrigerate, transfer the cooled mac and cheese to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, and warm it in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat.

If you’d like to freeze it, portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain that crispy topping.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Let’s explore a few tasty variations!

For a protein boost, add cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken. These additions turn this side dish into a hearty main course.

Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in roasted broccoli, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms. These veggies add texture and nutrients, and they pair wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a spicy version by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Pepper jack cheese can also be substituted for a bit of extra heat.

For a more sophisticated flavor, consider incorporating different cheeses like blue cheese, gouda, or fontina. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect cheese blend.

Finally, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. The texture will be just as creamy and delicious!

Have fun experimenting, and don’t be afraid to make this dish your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, it’s sure to become a family favorite!