Why You’ll Love This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
- Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for gatherings or cozy family meals.
- Cheesy and Creamy: The perfect balance of gooey cheese and silky sauce.
- Crunchy Topping: A golden, buttery breadcrumb crust adds a delightful crunch.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like broccoli or chicken for a hearty twist.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking dish: An 8×11-inch dish works perfectly.
- Large pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Medium saucepan: For preparing the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: To ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
There’s nothing quite like a creamy, cheesy bowl of Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. This ultimate comfort food is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just treating yourself to something special. With its golden, crispy topping and rich, gooey center, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.
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Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat every piece.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Dig in and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook it so it doesn’t get mushy while baking.
- Customize the Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave in small portions.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the baked mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dish without the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Add the topping just before baking.
Q2: What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for the topping?
A: Crushed crackers, potato chips, or even crumbled croutons make great substitutes.
Q3: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic!
Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden topping. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us on social media! We’d love to see your cheesy creations.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every comforting bite of this delicious classic!