Few dishes warm the heart like a bubbling pan of baked mac and cheese fresh out of the oven. Creamy, cheesy, golden, and satisfying, it’s a timeless comfort meal that never goes out of style. Whether served as a main course or a cozy side dish, baked mac and cheese brings everyone to the table with a smile.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked mac and cheese combines rich, velvety cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a golden, buttery crust. It’s creamy inside, crispy on top, and full of flavor. It’s easy to prepare and makes a great addition to family dinners, holidays, or potlucks.
🥣 Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
Salt, for boiling water
For the Cheese Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk (or 3 cups milk + 1 cup heavy cream for extra creaminess)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, enhances flavor)
For the Topping:
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
🔪 Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside. - Make the Roux:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until smooth and bubbly — this removes the raw flour taste. - Add the Milk:
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. - Add the Cheese:
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder if using. - Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well until every noodle is coated in creamy goodness. - Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan. - Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling. - Serve:
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the crispy top and creamy interior!
🧡 Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta will stay firm and hold up better after baking.
Add a blend of cheeses: Combining sharp cheddar with mozzarella, gouda, or gruyère gives the sauce more depth and richness.
Make it ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Baked mac and cheese pairs beautifully with:
Fried chicken or roasted meats
Steamed broccoli or green beans
A crisp garden salad
Garlic bread for extra indulgence
🧈 Variations
Southern Style: Add eggs and evaporated milk for a custard-like texture.
Bacon Lover’s: Mix in crispy bacon bits or pancetta.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, roasted peppers, or broccoli.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
🥰 Final Thoughts
Homemade baked mac and cheese is more than just food — it
