Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you crave the ultimate comfort food experience, this Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is pure gold. Creamy, rich, bubbling with three types of cheese and topped with crunchy, buttery panko, it’s the dish that brings everyone running to the table and guarantees no leftovers—only rave reviews!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is that the ingredient list is both straightforward and indulgently good. Each element plays a starring role in creating an ultra-creamy, deeply flavorful, and satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.

• Macaroni Pasta: Classic elbow macaroni holds onto all that luscious sauce, keeping every forkful perfectly cheesy.
• Butter: Not just for richness in the sauce, but also the secret to the golden, crisp topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: Turns melted butter into a simple roux, ensuring your cheese sauce is silky smooth (never grainy).
• Whole Milk & Half and Half: The combo of dairy gives extra creaminess—much better than milk alone for a truly luxurious sauce.
• Cheeses (Sharp Cheddar, White Cheddar, Gruyere): The sharp bite of cheddar and the nutty depth of Gruyere make this mac and cheese anything but one-note.
• Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Dried Mustard, Pinch of Nutmeg: Just a hint of each enhances and rounds out the cheese flavors.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Deliver that signature bakery-style crunch up top—so much better than classic breadcrumbs!
• Seasoned Salt: Adds a touch of extra zing to the finish.

Variations

This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is a real blank canvas—don’t be afraid to get creative! Swapping cheeses, sneaking in veggies, or adding some heat means everyone can have their favorite version. Here are a few ideas to kickstart your inspiration:

• Spicy Kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a version with some heat.
• Bacon Lover’s Twist: Mix in crumbled, crispy bacon for an irresistible smoky-salty punch.
• Veggie Add-Ins: Fold in steamed broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or roasted tomatoes for a colorful and nutritious boost.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free panko for an equally dreamy experience.

How to Make Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish & Crunchy Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—this ensures easy scooping (and cleanup!). Next, mix your panko, melted butter, and seasoned salt in a small bowl until the crumbs are fully coated and set aside. That quick step means your crunchy topping will be ready the moment your mac and cheese hits the oven!

Step 2: Boil the Pasta to Just Al Dente

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your macaroni about 2 minutes less than the package instructs. This keeps them slightly firmer—important, since they’ll finish cooking in the oven while soaking up the cheese sauce. Once drained, toss your noodles in a splash of olive oil or melted butter to prevent clumping.

Step 3: Make the Silky Cheese Sauce

Melt your butter in a large saucepan (don’t let it brown!). Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for a minute to create a pale, fragrant roux. Gradually pour in your milk and half and half, whisking constantly so your sauce is lump-free and smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, dried mustard, black pepper, and that pinch of nutmeg as the sauce thickens—watch for when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Melt In Those Cheeses

Reduce your heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar in small batches, always stirring until melted before adding more. Repeat with the white cheddar and Gruyere for the dreamiest, silkiest cheese sauce ever. Remove from the heat and give yourself a sneak taste—you’ll know it’s ready when it’s perfectly smooth and balanced.

Step 5: Mix, Assemble, and Bake!

Pour your cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until every noodle is thoroughly coated and glossy. Adjust seasoning if needed, pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, and smooth the top. Sprinkle over your buttery panko topping. Bake for 20 minutes—then, if you want extra color, pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes, but watch carefully!

Step 6: Let It Rest… Then Dig In!

When your Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese emerges, fragrant and bubbling, practice a little patience—let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle into scoopable, cheesy perfection. Now, it’s officially time to grab a fork and savor your creation!

How to Serve Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Liven up your Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese with a final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for color and freshness. A dusting of smoked paprika can also add a pop of color and subtle depth—don’t be shy, garnishes really bring this classic over the top!

Side Dishes

This luscious mac and cheese shines alongside crisp green salads, garlicky roasted broccoli, juicy roast chicken, or smoky BBQ favorites. Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, it pairs deliciously with almost anything!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, bake your mac and cheese in individual ramekins or muffin tins for adorable, grab-and-go portions. Or, spoon it into a skillet for rustic charm and serve right at the table—it’s comfort food theater, guaranteed to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors get even richer overnight.

Freezing

To freeze before baking, assemble everything (hold the topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add your topping, and bake as usual. For leftovers, portion out and freeze in single-serving containers—homemade comfort is always within reach!

Reheating

For best results, reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly, adding a splash of milk to revive the creaminess if needed. The microwave works in a pinch—just stir well and heat in short bursts so the cheese sauce stays smooth and silky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like treating yourself and your loved ones to a bubbling dish of Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese—warm, welcoming, and unfailingly delicious. Go ahead and try it out this week; you’ll soon see why it’s a beloved favorite. Happy cooking, and enjoy every irresistibly cheesy bite!

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