Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

why make this recipe

Making homemade baked mac and cheese is a classic choice for comfort food lovers. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s great for family dinners, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Plus, it’s easy to whip up with a few simple ingredients. Once you try this recipe, you might never want the boxed version again!

how to make Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry macaroni pasta
• 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups Half and Half
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
• 3 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup White Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup panko
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 (3 Qt) baking dish with cooking spray or melted butter and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the panko topping ingredients and set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until almost al dente (about 2 minutes less than the indicated cooking time). Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Toss to coat.
4. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter (be careful not to let it brown). Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Slowly pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to simmer, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
6. Once the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Repeat this process with the white cheddar and then the Gruyere cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta, mixing until every piece is well coated. Add in some additional white cheddar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Smooth the top into an even layer. Sprinkle the prepared panko topping on top and bake for 20 minutes. If it’s not golden enough, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes while keeping a close eye on it.
9. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

how to serve Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Homemade baked mac and cheese can be served as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs well with a simple salad, barbecue items, or roasted vegetables. For an extra touch, top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.

how to store Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven or microwave until heated through.

tips to make Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

• Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect mix.
• Ensure your pasta is slightly undercooked to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
• For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon, vegetables, or spices that you love.
• Make it extra crispy by adding more panko or using breadcrumbs for the topping.

variation

You can customize this dish in many ways. Try adding cooked vegetables like spinach or broccoli for a healthier twist. For a spicy kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Alternatively, a sprinkle of truffle oil can elevate the flavor to a gourmet level.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer! Shells, fusilli, or cavatappi work well too.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and add steamed vegetables to boost its nutrition.

How do I reheat leftover mac and cheese?
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess.

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

A creamy and cheesy comfort food favorite, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, featuring a blend of cheeses and a crispy panko topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 1 pound dry macaroni pasta

Cheese Sauce

• 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups Half and Half
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
• 3 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup White Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded

Topping

• 1/2 cup panko
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 (3 Qt) baking dish with cooking spray or melted butter and set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine the panko topping ingredients and set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until almost al dente (about 2 minutes less than the indicated cooking time). Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Toss to coat.

Cooking the Cheese Sauce

• In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter (be careful not to let it brown). Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Slowly pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to simmer, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
• Once the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Repeat this process with the white cheddar and then the Gruyere cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta, mixing until every piece is well coated. Add in some additional white cheddar and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Baking

• Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Smooth the top into an even layer. Sprinkle the prepared panko topping on top and bake for 20 minutes. If it’s not golden enough, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes while keeping a close eye on it.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Homemade baked mac and cheese can be served as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs well with a simple salad, barbecue items, or roasted vegetables. For an extra touch, top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect mix. Ensure your pasta is slightly undercooked to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked. For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon, vegetables, or spices that you love. Make it extra crispy by adding more panko or using breadcrumbs for the topping.

Keyword Baked Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Pasta Bake