Name: Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Hey y'all! Ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food experience? This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is irresistibly creamy, loaded with ooey-gooey cheese, and finished with a crispy golden topping. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, a family dinner, or just craving something cozy. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Rich, creamy, and ultra-cheesy with that perfect bake on top.
Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping ahead of time.
Customizable with your favorite cheeses or mix-ins.
Kid-friendly and loved by adults alike.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredients

16 oz (450 g) elbow macaroni
4 cups (1 L) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
4 tablespoon (56 g) unsalted butter
¼ cup (32 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs

How to Make Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese: Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep and Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and add 3 cups of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently toss to coat every noodle in that luscious sauce.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour half the mac and cheese into a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle with ½ cup cheddar cheese. Add the rest of the mac and cheese, then top with remaining cheddar.

In a small bowl, mix panko with 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional for extra crunch). Sprinkle evenly over the top.

5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes & Tips for Perfect Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

For even more flavor, try using a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or fontina (learn more about cheese options).
Don't overbake—pull it from the oven as soon as it starts bubbling for maximum creaminess.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Variations on Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Bacon Lover’s: Stir in 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Veggie Boost: Mix in 1 cup steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for extra nutrition.

Required Equipment for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large saucepan for cheese sauce
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
Whisk and wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Storing Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or in the microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes with Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese?

Pair with roasted or grilled veggies for a balanced meal.
Serve alongside BBQ chicken or pulled pork for a Southern feast.
A crisp green salad makes a fresh, crunchy side.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Always shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt (see why here).
Let the mac and cheese rest before serving so the sauce thickens beautifully.
Use room-temperature dairy for the creamiest cheese sauce.

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese, cover, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Bake right before serving, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.
What’s the best cheese for baked mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but mixing in cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina creates incredible depth of flavor (learn more).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 8

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese