This creamy homemade baked mac and cheese recipe is my attempt at recreating that nostalgic, soul-satisfying dish. It’s a foolproof, crowd-pleasing recipe that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a weeknight meal, or simply indulging in some comfort food, this mac and cheese is a surefire hit.
What is Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese?
Creamy homemade baked mac and cheese is the ultimate cheesy pasta dish—an indulgent, rich combination of perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, a velvety cheese sauce, and a crispy, golden-brown topping. It’s not the quick, boxed variety you might be used to; this version is made from scratch with love and care. The magic lies in the sauce, which is made from a béchamel base (a butter and flour roux), then enriched with whole milk, heavy cream, and, of course, generous handfuls of cheese. Baked to perfection, the dish offers a beautiful contrast between the creamy interior and the crunchy, golden top layer.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
This recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser. It’s rich and decadent but also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a comforting meal. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Kid-friendly: It’s a surefire hit with kids of all ages. The cheesy sauce and tender pasta are a perfect combination that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Weeknight-friendly: While it feels like a special treat, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare and doesn’t take hours to make.
- Great for leftovers: Like most comfort food, this mac and cheese tastes even better the next day. It reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavor by adding different cheeses, spices, or even a little heat if you like things spicy.
How to Make Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Making homemade baked mac and cheese is easier than you might think! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a creamy, cheesy dish every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Add the Cheese
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, reserving a little Parmesan for topping. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy mixture.
5. Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheesy pasta into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top, then dot with small pieces of butter.
6. Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
What to Serve With
This creamy homemade baked mac and cheese is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Serve it with a fresh green salad for a pop of color and crunch, or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, pair it with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or even a slice of meatloaf.
Top Tips
- Use a Mix of Cheeses: For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of cheeses. Cheddar gives it sharpness, mozzarella adds creaminess, and Parmesan adds a savory depth.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. This is great for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover baked mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of milk when reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this mac and cheese without baking it?
Absolutely! If you prefer a stovetop version, simply skip the baking step. Once you combine the pasta and cheese sauce, serve it directly. It’s just as delicious!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer—penne, shells, or cavatappi work beautifully in this dish.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce to bring some heat to your mac and cheese.
Can I freeze leftover mac and cheese?
Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.
Conclusion for Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe
This creamy homemade baked mac and cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort, family, and tradition. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply to indulge in some cheesy goodness, it’s a dish that will never disappoint.
Happy cooking!
Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese – A Comfort Food Classic
Kochutensilien
- Saucepan – For making the cheese sauce.
- Baking Dish (9×13-inch) – For baking the mac and cheese.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For mixing the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.
Zutaten
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or any pasta of choice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping
- 2 tablespoons butter optional, for topping
Anleitungen
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the Cheese:
- Lower the heat and gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the cheesy pasta mixture into it. For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top and dot with small pieces of butter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. For an extra crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.