Description
Craving the ultimate comfort food? This homemade baked mac and cheese is rich, ultra-creamy, and topped with a golden, crunchy crust — everything a cheesy pasta dish should be. Perfect as a quick dinner, satisfying side, or crowd-pleasing potluck staple, it combines the nostalgic flavor of childhood with grown-up indulgence. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, cozy food ideas, or a delicious homemade classic, this easy recipe is your go-to for creamy, cheesy bliss.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and smooth.
3. Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream, cooking until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and smoked paprika.
5. Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheese in batches until fully melted. Reserve some cheese for topping.
6. Stir in the cooked pasta, coating thoroughly with cheese sauce.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with reserved cheese.
8. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of paprika, then sprinkle over the top.
9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier topping if desired.
10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Undercook your pasta by a couple of minutes to avoid sogginess during baking.
Always shred cheese fresh from the block for better melt and flavor.
Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking for a creamier, thicker consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta