Name: Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces elbow macaroni; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups whole milk; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Hey y'all! If you crave rich, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy comfort food, this Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe will be your new favorite. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for family weeknights, potlucks, or when you're simply hungry for a big bowl of nostalgia. With crispy golden topping and velvety cheese sauce, this classic dish is certain to please everyone at the table. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Super creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection every time.
Kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters or grown-up comfort cravings.
Easy to customize with add-ins or different cheeses.
Makes a show-stopping side dish for holidays and gatherings.
Simple pantry staple ingredients and fuss-free preparation.

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients

1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni
4 cups (960ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups (480ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (110g) unsalted butter
⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
4 cups (960ml) whole milk
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs

How to Make the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook 2 minutes shorter than package directions for al dente texture (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook, stirring, until thickened—about 4-5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold together.
Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar over the top.
Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly for a crisp topping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

Notes & Tips for the Perfect Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

For extra decadent flavor, try using a blend of cheeses like gruyère or fontina (best cheeses for mac and cheese).
Don’t overbake: Baking too long can dry out the sauce—25 minutes is usually perfect!
For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta and flour (gluten-free baking tips).

Tasty Variations on Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Spicy Jalapeño: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Meaty Delight: Stir in 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon or chopped ham before baking.
Veggie Supreme: Fold in 1 cup of roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Required Equipment for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large saucepan or Dutch oven for sauce
Whisk
Colander
9x13-inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage & Shelf Life of Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freeze baked mac and cheese for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Serve as a hearty main dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Pair as a crowd-pleasing side with BBQ chicken, baked ham, or grilled sausage.
Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Always grate your own cheese for the smoothest, meltiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents (cheese advice for mac and cheese).
Use whole milk and heavy cream for the richest, creamiest texture.
Let the baked dish rest after coming out of the oven—it makes scooping much easier!

FAQs About Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Can I prep the mac and cheese ahead of time?: Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time when baking from cold.
Can I use different types of pasta?: Absolutely. Shells, cavatappi, or penne work well and hold plenty of cheesy sauce.
How can I make this lighter?: Swap whole milk for 2% milk and use slightly less cheese. You can also add extra veggies to bulk up the nutrition.

Now you have the ultimate Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe—full of creamy, cheesy goodness, golden crunchy top, and cozy comfort in every bite. Enjoy!

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe