The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8.0
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; Salt for boiling water; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this homemade baked mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest. With a rich blend of cheeses and a crispy topping, it's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This recipe is simple enough for weeknight meals yet decadent enough to impress at any gathering.

Created by

Riley Dawson

Last updated on 2025-12-01T14:30:15.000Z

This homemade baked mac and cheese recipe has been in my family for generations. It's the perfect dish for any occasion, bringing everyone together.

A Comfort Food Classic

Baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that many of us grew up loving. It transcends generations, and it's likely you have fond memories associated with its creamy goodness and cheesy allure. This recipe encapsulates that nostalgia while offering a modern touch with a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. The marriage of these cheeses not only creates a delightful flavor profile but also ensures a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply irresistible.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or mix-ins, such as cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or even lobster for a gourmet twist. Whether you're making it for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this baked mac and cheese is always a hit and sure to please everyone's palate.

Simple Yet Delectable

What sets this baked mac and cheese recipe apart is its simplicity without compromising on taste. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and special. The process is straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. The focus is on creating a rich, velvety cheese sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor and creaminess.

Additionally, this recipe can be prepped ahead of time, making it a stress-free choice for busy weeknights or festive occasions. Just assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating an even more delicious outcome.

Tips for the Perfect Bake

To achieve the perfect baked mac and cheese, consider using a mix of cheeses. While sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor, the mozzarella adds that stretchy, gooey texture we all love. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda to find your ideal combination. Also, don’t skimp on seasoning! A touch of garlic powder, along with salt and pepper, elevates the flavor of the cheese sauce significantly.

When it comes to baking, keep an eye on the topping. You want it to turn golden brown and crispy, which adds a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta underneath. If your topping browns too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil during part of the baking time and then uncover it for the last few minutes to achieve that perfect crust.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 ounces elbow macaroni
Salt for boiling water

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients as directed in the recipe.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and continue to stir until thickened.

Remove from heat and add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Combine and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the pasta and cheese sauce. Pour into a greased baking dish.

For the topping, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the pasta. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This baked mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables, adding a nutritional balance to your meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted broccoli or a fresh garden salad tossed in a vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese. For a heartier option, it also works well as a side dish with grilled meats or barbecue during gatherings.

If you're looking to elevate your dish even further, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, just before serving. These additions enhance both the flavor and presentation, making your dish just as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover baked mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. To keep it creamy, you might want to add a splash of milk before reheating to prevent it from drying out.

If you plan on freezing it, consider doing so before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking it in the oven for the recommended time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

→ What cheese works best?

A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the best flavor and creaminess.