Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni (or other tubular pasta), cooked; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 4 tbsp butter, melted; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

By:

Marry

Published:

November 25, 2025

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The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. Picture this: a warm, cheesy, and comforting dish bubbling straight out of the oven, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Whether it’s a cold winter night or a cheerful family gathering, this dish brings everyone together. Who can resist perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce made from a love-fueled combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese? It’s a match made in culinary heaven! Follow me as I guide you through the simple steps of creating a macaroni and cheese that’s sure to leave you and your loved ones feeling warm and satisfied. Your taste buds will thank you, and honestly, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions again! Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to creating the BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese lies in the perfect blend of cheeses and a rich, creamy sauce that envelops every noodle. This recipe achieves the ideal balance of flavors and textures by combining sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, producing a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The sharp cheddar provides that classic cheesy taste we all love, while the Gruyere adds a nutty depth that truly elevates the dish. So, every bite delivers a harmonious sensation of creaminess, richness, and just the right amount of sharpness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Not only is this mac and cheese outrageously cheesy and ultra-creamy, but it also boasts a delicious crunchy topping that elevates this classic comfort food to a new level. The best part? It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you’re cozying up on the couch or spreading joy at a potluck, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. Plus, each serving invites smiles as you watch everyone dive into those cheesy, gooey noodles with excitement.

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni (or other tubular pasta), cooked
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
4 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

Making the Cheese Sauce

Create Your Butter Base

Start by melting 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Watching the butter melt is like a beautiful dance in the pan, inviting in flavors already!

Add Flour to Thicken

Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook this for about one minute until it becomes bubbly and golden. This will help thicken your sauce.

Craft the Creamy Mixture

Next, gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Keep whisking until you achieve a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a simmer, continue whisking for 2 more minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Creaminess is the goal, and this step gets you closer!

Melt in the Cheese

Now comes the fun part! Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a decadent mixture. Afterward, add another 2 cups of a mixture of cheddar and Gruyere, whisking until everything is beautifully creamy. Your sensory journey is leading you to the ultimate cheese sauce experience!

Preparing the Pasta

Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Cook 16 oz of elbow macaroni according to package instructions but stop cooking one minute shy of al dente. This helps keep your pasta firm and perfectly chewy after baking. Drain it and transfer it to a large bowl.

Coat the Pasta

Drizzle the cooked pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, stirring well to coat. Don’t let your pasta get sticky! Set it aside to cool slightly as you prepare the next steps.

Combining Ingredients

Mix the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Pour that luxurious cheese sauce over the cooled pasta. Stir until every single piece of pasta is evenly coated with cheese sauce goodness. This is mac and cheese heaven!

Layering and Topping

Build the First Layer

Now, pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into a lightly greased 3 or 4-quart baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite is filled with cheesy goodness.

Add Additional Cheese

For an extra cheesy layer, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese evenly over this first layer. Trust me; this step is crucial for adding that irresistible pull when you dig in.

Add the Final Layer

Top off the dish with the other half of the mac and cheese mixture. It’s time to bring all that cheesy joy together!

Creating the Topping

Mix Topping Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika. This crispy topping will give your mac and cheese the perfect crunch.

Apply on Top

Evenly sprinkle this topping mixture over the mac and cheese. This layer adds both texture and flavor, balancing the creaminess of the dish beautifully!

Baking to Perfection

Bake Until Golden Brown

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the dish for about 30 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden brown on top—a beautiful sight to behold!

Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. The freshness of a salad balances the richness of the dish—not to mention a delightful burst of color on your plate!

Tips for Success

Make sure to mix the cheese sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps. No one likes an unexpected clump of flour!
Don’t overcook the pasta; it should remain firm before baking. Trust me, this will enhance your final dish tremendously!

Variations

Why not experiment with different cheese blends? Mozzarella or fontina can bring new flavors to the table. Feel adventurous? Add cooked bacon or veggies like broccoli or spinach for some extra zing!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven for the best texture.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A1: Yes, prepare the mac and cheese in the dish, cover it, and refrigerate until it’s time to bake.

Q2: What can I use instead of Gruyere cheese?
A2: Fontina or Monterey Jack are great alternatives that still provide a creamy texture.

Q3: Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
A3: While it enhances richness, you can reduce it or substitute with additional milk for a lighter version.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?
A4: Adding a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños can add a spicy kick.

Q5: Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
A5: Yes, it freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely and stored properly to avoid freezer burn.

This HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE serves up comfort food at its best, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. It’s a dish that leaves lasting memories, bringing together friends and family over a cheesy delight. With the ability to customize it to your taste, this mac and cheese is bound to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire!