There’s nothing quite like a comforting, cheesy, and creamy homemade baked mac and cheese. This recipe delivers the perfect combination of rich cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and a crispy golden topping. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this baked mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
3. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
5. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Reduce heat to low and gradually add cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
3. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked mac and cheese!

 

This homemade baked mac and cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and topped with a crispy golden crust that adds the perfect crunch. Whether for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday gathering, this dish will always be a favorite. Try it out and let us know how much you love it!