The Perfect Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe For Family Dinner

Creamy, golden mac and cheese creates pure comfort on a plate.

This homemade baked mac and cheese recipe delivers cheesy perfection with every single bite.

Rich cheddar and smooth melted cheese blend into a decadent sauce that hugs each pasta curve.

Crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings demand this crowd-pleasing classic.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Prepare to savor a warm, nostalgic meal that promises smiles around the table.

What Makes This Baked Mac and Cheese So Good

• Enjoy a gourmet mac and cheese experience without complicated techniques, perfect for home cooks wanting restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
• Blend cheddar and Gruyere for a rich, complex taste that elevates the classic dish, making it exciting for cheese lovers and picky eaters alike.
• Create a hearty, satisfying dish that brings everyone together, offering a delicious solution for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with minimal stress.
• Adaptable recipe works great for potlucks, game nights, and casual celebrations, ensuring a warm welcome from kids and adults with its creamy, comforting appeal.

Ingredients for Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that adds depth and helps create a smooth sauce.
• Flour: Provides thickness and helps bind the sauce together.
• Whole Milk: Creates a rich and creamy foundation for the mac and cheese.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds extra richness and luxurious texture to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, classic cheese flavor to the dish.
• Gruyere Cheese: Introduces a nutty and complex cheese profile to enhance the overall taste.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the flavors of the mac and cheese sauce.

Baking the Perfect Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Melt Butter Magic

Grab a deep saucepan and let the butter dance over medium heat until it transforms into a silky golden pool.

The butter should melt smoothly and become completely liquid.

Step 2: Create Roux Base

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking with enthusiasm.

Keep stirring for about a minute until the mixture becomes bubbly and develops a gorgeous golden color.

This technique removes any raw flour flavor and builds a fantastic foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Pour Creamy Liquid Gold

Slowly stream in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly.

The mixture will start to thicken and create tiny bubbles, signaling you’re on the right track.

Keep stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Cheese Explosion

• Cheddar
• Gruyere

Whisk until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

The sauce should look glossy and feel incredibly smooth.

Step 5: Cook Pasta Perfection

Boil pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain pasta and fold it gently into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets a cheesy embrace.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish.

Top with extra cheese if desired.

Bake in a preheated oven until the top turns golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.

Scoop onto plates and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Mac and Cheese Cooking Tips

• Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, silky cheese sauce.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding more milk if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, creating the perfect creamy texture.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and Gruyere for a more complex, rich taste profile that elevates the classic mac and cheese.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top before baking to create a delightful golden-brown, crunchy crust that adds textural contrast.
• Cook macaroni just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the cheese sauce, preventing mushy or soggy noodles.

How to Store and Warm Baked Mac and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a little milk or cream to restore creaminess.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.

What to Eat With Mac and Cheese

• Elevate Cheese Flavor Harmony: Pair aged sharp cheddar mac and cheese with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, cutting through the richness while complementing the cheese's tangy profile.
• Crunch and Freshness Boost: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, providing a zesty contrast to the creamy, rich mac and cheese.
• Wine and Protein Companion: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir to balance the dish's decadence, with its subtle fruit notes enhancing the Gruyere's nutty undertones.
• Texture-Enhancing Side: Add crispy pancetta or bacon bits sprinkled on top, introducing a salty, crunchy element that elevates the mac and cheese's creamy consistency.

Mac and Cheese Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour to make the recipe gluten-free. Use alternative pasta made from chickpea or quinoa for added nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap whole milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk. Use nutritional yeast and vegan cheese alternatives to maintain a creamy texture.
• Protein-Packed Power: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to boost protein content. Mix in roasted vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use a blend of cream cheese and low-carb cheese like Gouda or aged cheddar to keep the dish rich and satisfying.

FAQs

• Why use both cheddar and Gruyere cheese?

The combination provides a perfect balance of sharp, tangy flavor from cheddar and rich, nutty depth from Gruyere, creating a more complex and delicious mac and cheese sauce.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to create the roux. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese to the sauce off the heat and whisk gently. Adding cheese while the sauce is too hot can cause the proteins to break down, resulting in a grainy texture.

• What's the purpose of making a roux before adding milk?

The roux helps thicken the sauce and creates a smooth, creamy base by cooking the flour and butter together, which eliminates any raw flour taste and provides a rich, velvety texture to the mac and cheese.

Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary excellence in this mouthwatering Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese, combining creamy cheddar with crispy breadcrumb edges. Classic American comfort food reaches new heights, inviting you to savor each cheesy, golden-brown bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni, cooked
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Initiate the base by gently melting unsalted butter in a deep saucepan over medium heat until completely liquefied and slightly foamy.
2. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously for approximately 60 seconds until the mixture transforms into a golden, bubbling roux with a nutty aroma.
3. Introduce whole milk and heavy cream gradually, maintaining a steady whisking motion to prevent lumps from forming and ensure a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, watching for subtle bubbling that indicates the sauce is reaching the ideal texture and temperature.
5. Integrate shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses into the warm base, stirring methodically until each cheese melts completely and creates a luxuriously smooth sauce.
6. Season the cheese sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
7. Combine the prepared cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
8. Transfer the mac and cheese to a prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to promote consistent heating.
9. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes until the top develops a golden, slightly crispy crust and the interior remains creamy and bubbling.

Notes

• Choose a variety of cheeses to create a more complex flavor profile, experimenting with sharp cheddar, Gouda, or fontina for depth.
• Prevent grainy cheese sauce by removing the pan from heat before adding cheese and stirring gently to maintain smooth consistency.
• Toast breadcrumbs with melted butter and herbs for a crispy, golden topping that adds incredible texture and extra flavor dimension.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same creamy sauce without wheat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 615
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg