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The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

This homemade baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a crispy golden-brown topping, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or weeknight indulgence. Made from scratch for unbeatable flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Pasta: 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • Cheese Sauce:
    • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
    • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • 3 cups whole milk
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp onion powder
    • 1/2 tsp paprika
    • 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
    • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • Topping:
    • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 2 tbsp melted butter
    • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  3. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir well.
  5. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
  6. Remove from heat and gradually mix in cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
  2. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

  1. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and smoked paprika.
  2. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  3. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Bacon Mac and Cheese: Mix in crispy crumbled bacon.
  • Truffle Mac and Cheese: Stir in a few drops of truffle oil.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: main dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, best mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake

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Find it online: https://eateatfood.com/the-best-homemade-baked-mac-and-cheese/