If you’ve ever yearned for a macaroni and cheese that delivers on all fronts—creamy, cheesy, with that perfect crunchy topping—then you’re in for a treat with The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. This dish combines gooey sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyere cheeses, silky homemade cheese sauce, and a golden breadcrumb crust for a comforting classic that feels downright irresistible. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this recipe is your go-to for indulging in every cheesy, baked bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things pretty straightforward but don’t let that fool you—each ingredient plays a vital role in making The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe so unforgettable. From the rich butter that builds the sauce base to the duo of cheeses that bring depth in flavor, every component is essential.
- 16 oz elbow macaroni: The classic tubular pasta shape that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Tossed with pasta after cooking to prevent stickiness and add a subtle fruity note.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter: Key for creating a velvety roux that thickens the cheese sauce without overpowering flavors.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Helps build the creamy base by binding the butter and dairy together.
- 3 cups whole milk: Provides the luscious liquid foundation for the sauce with richness and balance.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Elevates the sauce with extra silkiness and indulgence.
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese: Offers that unmistakable tangy bite and meltiness in every mouthful.
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese: Adds a subtle nutty richness that makes the dish gourmet-level delicious.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the cheesy goodness.
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs: Creates the irresistible crunchy topping you’ll look forward to scraping with your spoon.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted: Coats the breadcrumbs for golden color and buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: Mixed with breadcrumbs to boost the crispy topping with a sharp, savory kick.
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika: Dustes the crust with mild smoky warmth, elevating the flavor profile beautifully.
How to Make The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish so your baked mac and cheese can brown perfectly without sticking. This small step makes a big difference when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Mix the Cheeses
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni until it’s just shy of fully tender—slightly underdone to hold up in the oven. Drain well, then drizzle with olive oil to keep it from clumping. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses; this mix will infuse our recipe with incredible flavor and creaminess.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Dairy Base
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour, cooking for about a minute until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly. Slowly add whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps, until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously thick. Season this creamy base with salt and pepper to taste—it’s the foundation of the cheesy sauce you’ll love.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese into the Sauce
Stir in half of your sharp cheddar and Gruyere blend, whisking well until completely melted and integrated. Add the rest of the cheese next and continue stirring until the sauce is thick, glossy, and irresistibly cheesy. This slow melting process guarantees perfectly creamy texture and flavor in every bite of The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Fold the cooked pasta gently into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is luxuriously coated. The mixture should be thick enough to clump sweetly but creamy enough to envelop the pasta in rich cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Layer in the Baking Dish
Pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle half of the remaining cheese over this first layer. Add the rest of the mac and cheese on top, layering flavor and texture beautifully to ensure each spoonful is filled with melty cheese.
Step 7: Prepare and Add Topping, Then Bake
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this flavorful topping evenly over the mac and cheese surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, until bubbly and the top is golden brown, offering that satisfying crunch.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Enjoying
Once baked, allow your masterpiece to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time lets the cheese sauce settle just right, so every spoonful is creamy and dreamy, just like The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe deserves.
How to Serve The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top can brighten the rich flavors and add a lovely pop of color. If you want a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce pairs surprisingly well with this cheesy dish.
Side Dishes
Because The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is so indulgent and hearty, serving it alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or simple steamed broccoli provides balance and variety. For extra comfort, pair it with soft dinner rolls or a tangy coleslaw that cuts through the richness delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider spooning the mac and cheese into individual ramekins for a charming personal touch when entertaining. For a casual family dinner, serve it straight from the baking dish with a rustic wooden spoon—either way, it’s inviting and impossible to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your leftover mac and cheese completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy leftovers that still taste creamy and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a much later meal, this recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place your portion in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbling and hot throughout. You can also add a splash of milk and stir midway to revive that creamy sauce magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and ideal for holding the sauce, other tubular pastas like cavatappi or shells work great too. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy after baking.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
You can swap out cheeses depending on what you have on hand, but for The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe, sharp cheddar and Gruyere offer a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. Mixing mild mozzarella or fontina can work but may alter the flavor slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the topping. The dish will be just as tasty and comforting.
How do I achieve a crunchy topping without burning it?
Mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling them evenly helps create an even golden crust. Keep an eye on the bake time and cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly before the cheese sauce bubbles nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it comes straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe that brings people together around the table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and golden all over—comfort food at its absolute finest. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and discover how easy it is to create a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese recipe featuring a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb crust. Perfectly cooked pasta is combined with a rich cheese sauce, baked to bubbly perfection, making a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (or other tubular pasta), cooked
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Cheese Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish and set aside to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- Prepare Cheese and Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses. Cook the pasta until slightly underdone, then drain, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Add half of the shredded cheese mixture to the sauce, whisking continuously until melted. Then add the remaining cheese and continue whisking until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated with the creamy mixture.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Pour half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining cheese from the bowl, then add the rest of the mac and cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese before baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool slightly before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Cooking pasta slightly underdone prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Using a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere offers a richer and more complex flavor.
- The panko breadcrumb topping adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
- For a smokier flavor, smoked paprika is preferred, but regular paprika works well too.
- Feel free to substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter sauce.
- Ensure to season the cheese sauce adequately with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
