Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

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Creamy, cheesy, and golden on top, homemade baked mac and cheese is the comfort food that brings everyone back to the table. Whether it’s for a holiday, a potluck, or a cozy dinner night, this dish is always a showstopper. The combination of tender elbow macaroni and a rich, velvety cheese sauce baked to bubbly perfection is simply irresistible.

This version doesn’t skimp on the good stuff. We’re talking sharp cheddar, buttery roux, and a crispy golden topping. It’s miles ahead of the boxed version and surprisingly easy to make. Once you try this recipe, there’s no turning back to store-bought.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

This mac and cheese is creamy on the inside with a bit of crunch on top, making it the ultimate side dish or even a main course. It uses simple pantry ingredients and can be made ahead, making it perfect for busy weeknights or big family dinners. Plus, the gooey melted cheese throughout each bite is comforting in a way only homemade dishes can be.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

The best mac and cheese starts with the right cheese. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice because it melts well and has a strong, satisfying flavor. If you want a little more complexity, you can mix in cheeses like Gruyere for nuttiness, mozzarella for stretch, or even a dash of parmesan for a salty bite. The key is to choose cheeses that melt smoothly and have bold flavors.

Ingredients for the Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

This recipe comes together with a handful of kitchen staples, and each ingredient plays a big role in flavor and texture.

Elbow macaroni brings the right shape and size to hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully.

Butter forms the base of the roux, giving the sauce richness and smoothness.

All-purpose flour thickens the sauce and helps create that creamy consistency.

Whole milk gives the sauce its creaminess without being too heavy.

Heavy cream adds richness and that luxurious texture we all love.

Sharp cheddar cheese provides bold flavor and melts into a perfectly gooey sauce.

Salt and pepper enhance the flavors and balance the richness of the cheese.

Paprika gives a subtle smoky depth to the dish.

Breadcrumbs (optional) are perfect for topping if you want a crispy, golden crust.

How To Make the Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. You don’t want to overcook it since it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden color. This step removes the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add the Milk and Cream

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Lower the heat and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Top and Bake

If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serving and Storing Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

This dish serves 6 to 8 people as a side or 4 as a main course. Serve it hot out of the oven when the cheese is melty and the top is crispy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.

What to Serve With Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese?

Classic Fried Chicken

The crispy, seasoned skin of fried chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Southern Collard Greens

Add a healthy green element that complements the richness of the cheese.

BBQ Ribs

A smoky and sweet flavor that contrasts perfectly with the savory mac and cheese.

Tomato Basil Soup

For a lighter pairing, this soup cuts through the richness and warms you up.

Green Bean Almondine

A crunchy, buttery side dish that adds freshness to the meal.

Garlic Bread

Never a wrong move. The garlic and crisp crust are ideal companions.

Sweet Cornbread

A touch of sweetness brings balance to the savory profile.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their natural bitterness works well with the creamy cheese.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you’re loving this baked mac and cheese, here are more cozy dishes to explore:

• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a hearty one-pan meal.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti if you want another cheesy pasta fix.
• Cajun Potato Soup for those soup days that need a little heat.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine with bold flavors and creamy sauce.
• Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for a chilled, picnic-ready alternative.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

Did you try it with extra cheese or add a breadcrumb topping? Maybe you mixed in some bacon or jalapeños? I love hearing how you personalize this classic dish. Share your version in the comments or drop a question if you’re curious about tweaks!

Explore beautifully curated comfort food favorites on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next dish to obsess over.

Conclusion

Homemade baked mac and cheese is more than a side dish – it’s a hug in a bowl. With its silky cheese sauce, satisfying pasta, and golden top, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. From family gatherings to solo dinners, this dish always hits the spot.

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