What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, with a creamy, cheesy center and a golden, crispy top that’s impossible to resist. It’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Rich and Creamy: Loaded with three kinds of cheese for maximum flavor and that perfect gooey texture.
- Crispy Topping: A buttery breadcrumb layer adds the ideal crunch to every bite.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Recipe
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and this homemade baked version is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and paprika to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese and mozzarella until melted.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes:
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
- Customize with additional cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for more flavor.
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking dish (9×9 inch or similar)
- Colander
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 4-6 servings
Nutrition
This homemade baked mac and cheese is a comforting dish with a rich and creamy texture. While indulgent, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Total Carbs | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 18g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade baked mac and cheese with a fresh side salad to balance the richness, like a simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Garlic bread is another great choice, and I can’t resist toasting it until it’s crispy and golden. Both options add something special to the meal without taking away from the star of the show!
Side Salad Ideas
Pairing something fresh with a rich dish like baked mac and cheese can really balance out the meal, and that’s where a side salad comes in handy. I love tossing together a simple garden salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. Sometimes, I’ll add a bit of crunch with toasted nuts or seeds. A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and Parmesan is another favorite. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up a spinach salad with strawberries, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze. These salads add brightness and texture, making the meal feel complete without overpowering the mac and cheese.
Garlic Bread Pairings
While salads bring a fresh contrast to mac and cheese, garlic bread turns up the comfort with its buttery, garlicky goodness. I love serving crispy, golden slices alongside my mac—it’s perfect for soaking up every cheesy bite. For extra flavor, try adding parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan to the bread before baking. If you’re feeling adventurous, a touch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Whether you go classic or spicy, garlic bread makes the meal feel even cozier. Just don’t blame me if you can’t stop at one slice!
