Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There are meals that remind us of home, comfort, and simpler times — for me, baked mac and cheese recipe tops that list every time.
I still remember the first time I made baked mac and cheese from scratch. It was a chilly fall evening, and I had just moved into my first apartment after college. My tiny kitchen had only a few basic tools, but I was determined to recreate the dish my mom used to make every Sunday after church — the kind of macaroni and cheese with a golden, crunchy topping and creamy, cheesy insides that made you go back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
That first batch wasn’t perfect, but it was warm, gooey, and exactly the kind of comfort food I needed. Over the years, I’ve refined the baked mac and cheese recipe — adjusted the cheese blend, played with the pasta type, and discovered little tricks that make all the difference.
Today, I’m sharing my ultimate baked mac and cheese recipe — one that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or anytime you need a bowl of cheesy joy.
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Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (2025)
Ingredients for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Let’s start with the essentials. These ingredients make the perfect balance of creaminess, cheesiness, and crunch.
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or other short pasta like cavatappi or shells)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional but recommended)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Blend:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
(Pro tip: Shred your own cheese — pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to get the perfect balance of creamy interior and crispy top every time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni for 1–2 minutes less than package directions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a paste and starts to turn golden (this is your roux — it thickens the sauce).
Step 3: Add Milk and Cream
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble slightly (about 5–7 minutes).
Step 4: Stir in Seasonings and Cheese
Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every noodle is well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. If you like it extra crispy, broil for the last 2–3 minutes (watch carefully!).
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a star on its own, but it also plays well with others. Here are a few ways to round out your meal:
1. With Protein
- Fried or grilled chicken
- Baked ham
- BBQ ribs
- Pulled pork
2. With Veggies
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Side salad with vinaigrette
3. With Bread
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Cornbread for a Southern touch
Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or lazy Sundays when comfort food calls.
Tips
- Undercook your pasta – It continues cooking in the oven and you don’t want mushy noodles.
- Use freshly shredded cheese – Melts better and tastes fresher.
- Mix cheese types – Combining sharp cheddar with melty cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack creates a rich, balanced flavor.
- Season your cheese sauce – Taste before combining with pasta and adjust salt, pepper, or spices.
- Bake uncovered – For a crispy, golden crust on top.
- Double the batch – Leftovers reheat beautifully (and you’ll want seconds).
Variations
Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is perfect as-is, but if you want to change things up, try one of these delicious variations:
1. Bacon Mac and Cheese
Add crispy bacon crumbles into the cheese sauce or sprinkle over the topping.
2. Spicy Mac and Cheese
Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
3. Veggie Mac and Cheese
Stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach before baking for a nutrient boost.
4. Four-Cheese Blend
Try a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, and Parmesan for a gourmet twist.
5. Chicken Mac and Cheese
Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein.
6. Mac and Cheese Casserole
Layer with cooked ground beef or sausage for a hearty, full-meal casserole.
FAQs
Q1. Can I make Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes, then bake as directed (you may need to add 5–10 minutes to baking time).
Q2. Can I freeze Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Q3. What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic for flavor, but combining it with melty cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack gives the best texture and richness.
Q4. Can I use gluten-free pasta and flour?
Yes, just make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux and a gluten-free pasta. Watch pasta carefully to avoid overcooking.
Q5. How do I make it creamier?
Use a mix of milk and cream, and be sure not to overbake. Also, stir in a little cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something timeless and universally loved about a good Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. It doesn’t matter if you’re 8 or 80 — that moment when you break through the crispy topping and spoon out a bite of creamy, cheesy pasta is pure magic.
This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is everything mac and cheese should be: rich, indulgent, simple to make, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating the holidays, or just craving a warm, homey meal at the end of a long day.
Make it once, and it just might become your family’s new favorite, too — just like it did for mine.