Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm dish of Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese nestled in a cozy kitchen, don’t you think? I remember the first time I tasted this delightful dish; it was at my grandmother’s house during a chilly winter evening. The aroma of melting cheese filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. As the creamy pasta enveloped my senses, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Now, every time I whip up this recipe, I’m transported back to those heartwarming moments shared with family. This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of love and warmth, perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner. Let’s dive into the magic of this timeless recipe!

What’s In This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

The ingredients for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese come together to create a decadent, comforting dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering that rich, creamy texture and flavor. The star players include elbow macaroni, which serves as the perfect vessel for cheese sauce, and a blend of cheddar and Gruyere cheeses that melt beautifully and create a luscious finish. The addition of heavy cream and whole milk ensures a rich consistency, while panko crumbs provide a satisfying crunch on top.

• 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked (or other tubular pasta): The base of this dish, providing that classic pasta texture.
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and helps coat the pasta after cooking.
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter: Essential for creating a smooth cheese sauce.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce, giving it that creamy consistency.
• 3 cups whole milk: Provides a creamy base to the sauce, enhancing the flavor.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Enriches the sauce, making it luxurious and decadent.
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The main cheese that gives this dish its classic flavor.
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded: Adds a nutty flavor that complements the cheddar beautifully.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the dish.
• 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs: Adds a crunchy topping and texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
• 4 tbsp butter, melted: Mixed with panko for a buttery, crispy topping.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded: Enhances the flavor and adds richness.
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika): Adds a hint of smokiness and color.

The Method for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Getting the technique down for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is half the battle won. As you move through the steps, you’ll find it’s not only easy but also a joyous experience filled with wonderful aromas. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a large 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish. This ensures your Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese doesn’t stick and is easy to serve.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the shredded cheeses: cheddar and Gruyere. Set this aside for later; the more cheese, the better, right?
3. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, but stop one minute shy of al dente. This way, your pasta maintains some firmness for baking. Once cooked, drain and place it in a large bowl.
4. Drizzle the pasta with olive oil and stir gently to coat every piece. This not only enhances flavor but also helps prevent sticking.
5. As the pasta cools, melt the butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot over medium heat. Watch it closely to avoid burning!
6. Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously for about one minute until the mixture becomes bubbly and golden brown. This forms a roux, which will thicken your cheese sauce.
7. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Keep whisking until you see bubbles on the surface, then continue cooking for another two minutes.
8. Season your sauce with salt and pepper. Gradually add two cups of the shredded cheese, whisking until it’s melted and smooth. Then, add the remaining cheese and continue whisking until the sauce is thick and creamy.
9. Stir in the cooled pasta, ensuring that every piece is well coated in the luscious cheese sauce. 
10. Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top this layer with the remaining cheese, followed by the second half of the pasta mixture. 
11. In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle this over the top of the mac and cheese for a delightful crunchy topping.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
• Garnishing: Consider topping with chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Serving Options for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

When it’s time to serve your Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese, there are plenty of delightful options to consider:

• Family Style: Serve directly from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal, allowing everyone to help themselves!
• Side Dish: Pair it alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
• Holiday Gathering: Perfect for potlucks or holiday dinners, it’s a dish that brings everyone together.
• Lunch Box: It makes a fantastic leftover for lunch, just reheat and enjoy it the next day.
• Seasonal Touch: During the winter months, serve it with a warm soup for an ultimate comfort meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The charm of Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese lies in its comforting flavors and creamy texture that simply melts in your mouth. It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table, making it an instant favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the happiness it brings, just like it did for me. Remember, cooking is all about making memories, and this dish is perfect for creating those lasting moments in your kitchen.

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy! This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Make it tonight to enjoy a bowl of happiness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 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
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Wooden Spoon
• Frying Pan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a large 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish. This ensures your Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese doesn't stick and is easy to serve.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the shredded cheeses: cheddar and Gruyere. Set this aside for later; the more cheese, the better, right?
3. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, but stop one minute shy of al dente. This way, your pasta maintains some firmness for baking. Once cooked, drain and place it in a large bowl.
4. Drizzle the pasta with olive oil and stir gently to coat every piece. This not only enhances flavor but also helps prevent sticking.
5. As the pasta cools, melt the butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot over medium heat. Watch it closely to avoid burning!
6. Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously for about one minute until the mixture becomes bubbly and golden brown. This forms a roux, which will thicken your cheese sauce.
7. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Keep whisking until you see bubbles on the surface, then continue cooking for another two minutes.
8. Season your sauce with salt and pepper. Gradually add two cups of the shredded cheese, whisking until it’s melted and smooth. Then, add the remaining cheese and continue whisking until the sauce is thick and creamy.
9. Stir in the cooled pasta, ensuring that every piece is well coated in the luscious cheese sauce.
10. Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top this layer with the remaining cheese, followed by the second half of the pasta mixture.
11. In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle this over the top of the mac and cheese for a delightful crunchy topping.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), they can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days or frozen for future cravings. Reheating is just as satisfying, making it a convenient option for quick meals later on.

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Meet Molly Brooks

I love mixing nostalgic flavors with fun, fresh twists. My goal is to make cooking the best part of your day. I loved making this recipe, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home!