Classic homemade mac and cheese is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Made with bite-sized pasta, rich cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce, this recipe is baked to perfection, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
This guide includes all the tips, tricks, and steps you need to make the perfect baked mac and cheese.
Why Make Homemade Mac and Cheese?
There’s something special about homemade macaroni and cheese that makes it a favorite among both kids and adults. While boxed versions like Kraft macaroni can be convenient, nothing beats the rich, creamy texture and flavor of a freshly made dish.
Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more delicious meal.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Mac and Cheese
To create a truly delightful baked mac and cheese recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 16 ounces of elbow macaroni
- 1 stick of butter
- 1/4 cup of flour
- 12 ounces of evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup of whole milk
- 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated for best results)
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 block of melting cheese (like Velveeta)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
Perfect Mac and Cheese in Easy Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Oven
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, slightly undercooking it (about 1 minute under al dente) to avoid mushy pasta.
Optional: Add salt to the water to enhance flavor.
Preheat your oven to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a casserole dish with olive oil.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, whisking to combine into a roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and whole milk, stirring until smooth and bubbly.
Remove the pan from heat, add the melting cheese, and stir until fully melted. Incorporate 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mixture is creamy and well-blended.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Drain the pasta and place it in the greased casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, mixing gently to coat.
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. For the best flavor and texture, use a high-quality aged cheddar.
- Avoid Overheating: To prevent a grainy sauce, melt the cheese at a low temperature. Allowing the cheese to reach room temperature before adding it to the sauce helps achieve a smoother consistency.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This dish is versatile enough for everyday meals, special occasions like Thanksgiving, or even celebrating events like Mac N Cheese Day.
Customizing Your Mac and Cheese
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or smoked Gouda for a unique flavor profile. Cheddar is my favorite to use for mac and cheese dishes.
- Toppings: Add a gourmet twist by topping with crispy bacon bits, additional cheese, or a buttery breadcrumb crust.
Freezing and Reheating Mac and Cheese
This dish freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. To freeze, let the mac and cheese cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container before baking. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 70-80 minutes, or until warm throughout.
For reheating leftovers, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Enjoy this homemade mac and cheese recipe, a classic dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. With it’s creamy, cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Variations to Try
- Baked Mac and Cheese for Thanksgiving: Add a seasonal twist by incorporating ingredients like roasted butternut squash, cranberries, or even a hint of sage.
- Inspired by Restaurant Favorites: Try adding elements from your favorite restaurants, such as the bold flavors found in LongHorn Mac and Cheese, Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese, or the decadent Cheesecake Factory Fried Mac and Cheese.
Celebrate Mac N Cheese Day
Did you know there’s a national Mac N Cheese Day? Celebrate this cheesy holiday by trying out different variations of this classic dish, or even host a mac and cheese tasting party with friends and family!
Enjoy this comforting and delicious baked mac and cheese recipe, perfect for any occasion. Its creamy, cheesy goodness is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Mac and Cheese
How do you keep mac and cheese from drying out when baking?
To prevent dryness:
- Use the right amount of sauce: This baked mac and cheese recipe balances cheese and milk to ensure a creamy consistency.
- Avoid overbaking: Bake until the top is just golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes, to keep the dish moist.
- Cover with foil if needed: If the top browns too quickly, cover the dish with foil to retain moisture.
By following these tips, your homemade mac and cheese will stay creamy and delicious.
What are the three best cheeses for mac and cheese?
Choosing the right cheese is key to a delicious mac and cheese:
- Cheddar: This is a classic choice for its smooth melting properties and rich flavor and in my opinion, it is the best cheese for mac and cheese.
- Parmesan: Adds a salty and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- Gruyere: Offers a creamy texture with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, perfect for elevating the dish.
These cheeses, along with a block of melting cheese, help create a creamy and flavorful sauce in our homemade mac and cheese recipe.
What not to do when making mac and cheese?
Avoid these mistakes for a perfect mac and cheese:
- Not salting the pasta water: This simple step enhances the flavor of your pasta.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook the pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce and the oven.
- Not making a roux: A roux, made from butter and flour, is essential for the smooth and creamy sauce in homemade macaroni and cheese.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and avoids a gritty texture.
- Adding milk too quickly: Gradually whisk in milk to the roux for a smooth sauce, as per this homemade mac and cheese recipe’s instructions.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Homemade One Pot Chicken Soup Recipe
- Chicken and Dumplings Recipe – One Pot Meal from Scratch
- Classic Lipton Meatloaf Recipe with Onion Soup Mix
- Easy Canned Biscuit Donut Recipe + Fillings & Glazes
- The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe with Eggs
Homemade Mac and Cheese
This rich homemade mac and cheese recipe is the perfect comfort food. Made with a creamy cheese sauce, it's pure baked mac and cheese bliss.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of Elbow Macaroni
- 2 Tablespoons of olive oil for pan
- 1/2 Cup of Breadcrumbs
- 1 Stick of Butter
- 1/4 Cup of Flour
- 12 Ounces of Evaporated Milk
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Paprika
- 3/4 Cup of Whole Milk
- 4 Cups of Cheddar Cheese, Shredded and Separated
- 1/2 Cup of Ground Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 Block of Melting Cheese (generic brands are fine)
- Dash of Salt & Pepper
Instructions
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a casserole dish with olive oil. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, creating a roux. Cook the roux for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, ensuring no lumps form. Add the melting cheese and whole milk, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes bubbly and smooth. At this point, stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, ensuring it is evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a deliciously crispy crust.
Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, tangy taste to the dish. For an extra creamy texture, include a melting cheese, like Velveeta.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 406Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 483mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 16g
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