Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

There’s nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of homemade baked mac and cheese. It’s a dish that has earned a permanent spot in the hearts of home cooks and food lovers alike, thanks to its rich, satisfying flavors and comforting texture. This recipe takes that timeless classic to a whole new level by combining three types of cheese—sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan—and a velvety homemade cheese sauce. To top it all off, a golden, crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping adds the perfect texture contrast. This is the ultimate mac and cheese recipe that will have your family asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Print

Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend gathering, or a festive holiday spread, this mac and cheese is bound to impress. And with a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour, it’s a manageable yet indulgent dish that guarantees to satisfy everyone at the table. So, if you’re ready to make the BEST homemade baked mac and cheese of your life, let’s dive right in!

Ingredients Breakdown

To create a truly unforgettable mac and cheese, we’re using a blend of high-quality ingredients that work together to deliver a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish.

• 16 oz elbow macaroni (or other tubular pasta): Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for mac and cheese, but feel free to substitute with any tubular pasta you prefer, such as penne or cavatappi. The tube shape holds the cheese sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: A simple drizzle to coat the pasta and help keep it from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter: A key ingredient for the sauce, contributing to its rich, creamy texture.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: The flour is used to create a roux, which thickens the sauce and ensures that it’s smooth and velvety.
• 3 cups whole milk: Whole milk gives the sauce its rich creaminess, making each bite decadently smooth.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: This adds extra indulgence and depth of flavor to the sauce, creating that ultra-creamy texture we crave in mac and cheese.
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for mac and cheese, offering that familiar, bold cheese flavor. Its meltability is key to creating a smooth sauce.
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded: Gruyère adds a nutty, slightly sweet depth of flavor to the cheese sauce, complementing the cheddar perfectly.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the cheese sauce and bringing out the full flavor of the cheeses.
• 1 1/2 cups Panko crumbs: Panko crumbs are light and airy, making for a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese.
• 4 tbsp butter, melted: The melted butter helps to crisp up the Panko topping, creating that irresistible crunch.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded: Parmesan adds a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dish.
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika): A touch of smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness and a pop of color to the topping, elevating the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish. This ensures your mac and cheese doesn’t stick while baking and allows for easy serving.

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, but be sure to stop just shy of al dente, about one minute before the recommended time. This will allow the pasta to finish cooking in the cheese sauce in the oven, preventing it from becoming too soft or mushy. Once done, drain the pasta and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to keep it from sticking together while you prepare the cheese sauce. Set it aside to cool slightly.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Next, melt the butter in a deep saucepan, Dutch oven, or stockpot over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, creating a roux. Continue whisking for about 1 minute, until the mixture becomes bubbly and golden. This step is important because it will thicken the cheese sauce and ensure a smooth consistency.

Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Keep whisking as it heats up, and once you begin to see bubbles forming at the surface, cook for another 2 minutes while stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to add the cheeses.

Begin by adding 2 cups of the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. Whisk until completely melted and smooth. Add the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is rich, creamy, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Now it’s time to bring the two components together. Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently until the pasta is fully coated with the velvety sauce. This is the moment when the magic happens, and you can already start to imagine how creamy and indulgent this mac and cheese will be.

Assembling the Dish

Pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese, then layer on the rest of the mac and cheese mixture. This ensures that every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.

Preparing the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the Panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and smoked paprika. Mix well, then sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the mac and cheese. The butter will help the crumbs crisp up beautifully in the oven, while the Parmesan and paprika add a burst of flavor and color.

Baking to Perfection

Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. The top will be crisp and the cheese sauce underneath will be luxuriously creamy. The contrast between the crunchy topping and the velvety sauce is what makes this baked mac and cheese truly irresistible.

Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma

As you dig into this homemade baked mac and cheese, the first thing you’ll notice is the irresistible aroma wafting through the kitchen. The rich scent of melted cheese, butter, and paprika will make your mouth water in anticipation. The first bite reveals the ultimate comfort food experience: a warm, creamy cheese sauce enveloping each piece of tender pasta. The sharpness of the cheddar and the nuttiness of the Gruyère come together beautifully, creating a deep, rich flavor profile that’s balanced and satisfying. The crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping adds the perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta, giving each bite a satisfying crunch that elevates the dish from good to extraordinary.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Cheese Substitutions: While sharp cheddar and Gruyère are the stars of this dish, you can experiment with other cheeses based on your personal preferences. Consider adding Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier sauce, or even a touch of cream cheese for extra richness. For a more robust flavor, try swapping in some aged Gouda or smoked cheddar.
• Pasta Variations: Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, but feel free to use any type of pasta you like. Cavatappi, penne, or shells work beautifully in this dish, offering different textures to hold the sauce.
• Vegetarian Twist: If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian-friendly, feel free to skip any meat additions (though it’s also great with crispy bacon crumbles). You can also add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes to add extra flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade baked mac and cheese is hearty and filling on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the cheese. You can also add a protein, such as grilled chicken, meatloaf, or even some crispy fried shrimp, for a more substantial meal.

Final Thoughts

This homemade baked mac and cheese is the kind of dish that will become a family favorite. The combination of three types of cheese, a creamy sauce, and a crispy topping is the perfect comfort food trifecta. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, this mac and cheese will always leave everyone at the table smiling and satisfied. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with this deliciously indulgent dish!