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Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 80 reviews
  • Author: Angela
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Combining tender elbow macaroni with a rich homemade cheese sauce made from cheddar and mozzarella, and finished with a golden breadcrumb topping, this dish is baked to bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux without browning.
  4. Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful base of the sauce.
  5. Incorporate Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the hot sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Transfer this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy crust.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can use whole milk or a combination of milk and cream.
  • Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture.
  • Feel free to add extra spices like paprika or cayenne for a little heat.
  • You can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for variation.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.