If there’s one dish that never fails to spark pure joy, it’s this Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe. Rich, creamy, impossibly cheesy, and blessed with a golden-crisp topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together. From weeknight dinners to celebrations with friends, this recipe is my go-to for making memories (and second helpings!) at the table. You’re not just cooking noodles and cheese — you’re creating a cozy, big-hearted bowl of love that’s worth savoring any time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the delights of this Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe is just how simple the ingredients are, yet how they each add their magic to the finished dish. Every component brings its own texture, color, or creamy richness, making the final result far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Elbow macaroni (1 pound): These classic curved noodles are the foundation, perfectly designed for trapping creamy cheese sauce in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Butter starts your roux and adds extra flavor depth and silky smoothness to your sauce.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Flour thickens the cheese sauce, creating that luscious, clinging texture mac and cheese is famous for.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Whole milk keeps the sauce rich without being too heavy, giving you that classic creamy consistency.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Cream takes your dish to new levels of luxury and creates a sauce that’s truly decadent.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Cheddar brings all the sharp, tangy flavor and gorgeous golden hue that makes homemade mac and cheese iconic.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Mozzarella adds wonderful stretch and extra meltiness to your cheese blend.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A simple shake of garlic powder adds comforting savory flavor.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): This boosts flavor without overwhelming the cheese—it’s a subtle game changer!
- Ground mustard, optional (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of mustard powder brings brightness and balance to the richness of the cheese.
- Salt and black pepper: Seasoning is essential to highlight all the other flavors. Taste and adjust as you go!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, for topping): Parmesan on top deepens the crust’s savory, umami bite.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional for topping): Panko creates that irresistible crispy crust that everyone loves digging their fork into.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, for topping): Just a touch for toasting the breadcrumbs to golden perfection.
How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions, just until it’s al dente. You want the pasta to be tender but still have a slight bite, since it will absorb more sauce in the oven later. Once done, drain and set aside. Cooking the pasta perfectly right at the start makes for the best texture in your Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Step 2: Make a Creamy Roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s luscious and bubbling (not browned!), add the flour and whisk zealously. Cook this buttery paste for about 1 to 2 minutes—just enough to remove any raw flour taste and set the stage for your creamy sauce. This roux is the backbone of a truly smooth and luxurious cheese sauce.
Step 3: Whisk in Dairy
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly as you go to keep everything silky and lump-free. This step transforms your roux into a rich, velvety base—watch as it thickens over about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of your spoon, making it ideal for carrying all that glorious cheese.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese to your thickened sauce. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard (if you’re using it), and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir until everything melts together into a lava flow of pure cheese bliss! This is when the aroma kicks in and you’ll want to sneak a (careful) taste… or two. A truly homemade mac and cheese recipe isn’t shy about generous cheese.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add your perfectly cooked macaroni right into the pot of cheese sauce. Stir it gently but thoroughly to ensure every noodle is lavishly coated from end to end. The sauce will cling, filling all those nooks and crannies, delivering maximum flavor. This is the moment when things start looking irresistibly creamy and inviting.
Step 6: Bake with the Crunchiest Topping
If you’re craving the signature golden crust, preheat your oven to 375°F. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture all over the top—it’s the magic touch for your Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling and beautifully browned. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets just right.
How to Serve Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Give your casserole a finishing touch with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of chives, or a dusting of paprika for a little extra color and flavor. Sometimes I’ll even add a few thinly sliced green onions on top—the fresh pop balances the richness perfectly. These small garnishes turn every serving into a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds!
Side Dishes
This Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe is wonderful all on its own, but it’s also fantastic with a crisp, green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side. I especially love pairing it with honey-glazed carrots or simple steamed broccoli—you get bright, fresh flavors that contrast with all the savory goodness of the pasta. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve with warm, buttered rolls for a truly hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your meal memorable, try serving the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for bake-and-serve personal portions, or scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a whimsical twist. For gatherings, a big, bubbling casserole dish at the center of the table always draws a crowd. However you serve it, this Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep any leftovers tasting as delicious as when freshly baked, let the dish cool completely before covering tightly and refrigerating. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeks or packed lunches. Just be sure to keep it sealed to maintain all that cheesy moisture.
Freezing
This Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe can definitely be frozen! Simply cool the mac and cheese, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container (or wrap the baking dish well), and freeze for up to two months. If you want to freeze before baking, assemble everything except the topping and add that when ready to cook, for the best texture.
Reheating
For ultimate creaminess, reheat leftovers gently—either in the microwave with a splash of milk stirred in, or covered in a low oven until warmed through. Add a bit more cheese or cream if it looks dry. The breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully in the oven again, keeping every bite as delightful as when first baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbows are classic in any Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe, you can use shells, cavatappi, rotini, or any shape that can hold the sauce. Just be sure to cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture.
What cheeses work best if I want to experiment?
Your imagination is the limit! Try swapping some of the cheddar for Gruyere for a nutty flavor, or add a bit of Monterey Jack for an even creamier melt. Smoked cheeses add a delightful twist—just make sure to keep sharp cheddar as the backbone for that familiar flavor.
How do I make it extra creamy?
For an even richer Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe, try stirring in a few ounces of cream cheese or adding a half cup more cream. Avoid overbaking, as too much oven time can dry out the sauce. Always mix well right before serving so the sauce stays silky.
Can I skip the baking step?
Yes! For pure stovetop comfort, simply combine the pasta and cheese sauce, and serve straight from the pot. The baked version gives you a crunchy topping, but the unbaked mac and cheese is ultra-creamy and a little faster for those busy nights.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely, this dish is fully vegetarian as long as your cheeses use vegetarian-friendly rennet. It’s a classic choice for those seeking a hearty, meat-free main dish that still satisfies every comfort food craving.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you treat yourself and your loved ones to this Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe soon. From its creamy, dreamy sauce to that golden, crispy top, each spoonful is a celebration of simple pleasures. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy night in or sharing at a festive table, this is classic comfort at its very best. Give it a try and experience how homemade truly makes all the difference!
Print
Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, pour in milk and cream, cook until thickened, then add cheddar, mozzarella, seasonings, and stir until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to cheese sauce and mix well.
- Bake: Preheat oven, transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumb mixture, bake until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add more cream or cream cheese.
- For a spicy twist, add cayenne or hot sauce.
- You can skip baking for a stovetop-only version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
