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Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

Hey y'all! If you’re craving the ultimate cozy dish, this Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right will hit the spot. With its creamy, gooey cheese sauce and perfectly baked golden crust, this mac and cheese is a dream for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a little taste of home. It’s rich, cheesy, and downright irresistible – the kind of recipe everyone will beg you to make again. So grab your whisk and your favorite casserole dish—let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

  • Creamy, dreamy cheese sauce coats every bite for pure comfort.
  • Made with simple pantry staples—no fancy ingredients required.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
  • Customizable with your favorite cheeses, add-ins, or toppings.
  • Ready in under an hour with minimal prep time.

Ingredients for Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

  • 16 oz (450g) elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups (950ml) whole milk
  • 4 tablespoon (60g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (32g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (340g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (115g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoon (30g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Directions for Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

1. Prep and Cook Pasta

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions (about 7-8 minutes) for a firmer bite. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoon butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
  2. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 6-8 minutes).
  3. Turn off the heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.

3. Assemble & Bake Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

  1. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  2. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

Notes & Tips for Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

  • Grate your own cheese for a smoother sauce—store-bought shredded cheese can be coated and doesn't melt as well. Learn more about proper cheese selection.
  • For an extra-crispy topping, broil the finished dish for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
  • If you prefer a stovetop version, skip the baking step and serve straight from the pot.

Variations on Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

  • Bacon Lover’s: Stir in 1 cup cooked, chopped bacon before baking.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese.
  • Veggie Boost: Mix in 1 cup steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower.

Required Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large saucepan for cheese sauce
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions for Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

  • Store leftovers 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 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.
  • Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

  • Serve alongside a fresh green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • Pair with crispy fried chicken or BBQ ribs for the ultimate comfort combo.
  • Try it with a glass of cold iced tea or a light lager.

Pro Tips for Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

  • Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is key for the best texture. Read more about cooking pasta properly.
  • Use room temperature milk to help your sauce thicken faster and avoid lumps.
  • Let the baked mac and cheese rest before serving so it sets up nicely.

FAQ: Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Try Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack for different flavors and textures.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Swap in gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Can I make Homestyle Mac n Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time if cold.

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

★★★★★ 4.00 from 157 ratings

Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

yield: 6 servings
prep: 20 mins
cook: 30 mins
total: 50 mins
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting homestyle mac n cheese recipe that's perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Made with classic ingredients and baked to golden perfection.
Homestyle Mac n Cheese – Comfort Food Done Right

Ingredients

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. 2
    Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. 3
    In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. 4
    Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. 5
    Remove from heat and stir in 2 ½ cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked macaroni and mix well.
  6. 6
    Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480cal
Protein: 20 gg
Fat: 24 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 46 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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