There’s something magical about mac and cheese. Maybe it’s the bubbling cheese, the golden crust, or that first spoonful that feels like a warm hug. Growing up, my nonna’s kitchen always smelled like butter and sharp cheddar melting into a silky sauce. She never measured anything, just trusted her instincts. When I recreate her mac and cheese now, it’s more than a meal; it’s a piece of her legacy, one that fills my home with the same sense of love and belonging she once did.
If you’re craving true comfort food, this creamy baked mac and cheese is exactly what you need; simple, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible.
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Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Recipe
This homemade mac and cheese hits all the right notes; rich, creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked with a crunchy top. Unlike boxed versions, this recipe uses real ingredients that blend into a sauce so smooth you’ll wonder why you ever reached for instant. It’s versatile, too; you can serve it as a main dish or a side alongside classics like rosemary garlic mashed potatoes.
Another reason you’ll love it? It reheats beautifully. That’s right, creamy comfort even on day two. And with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, there’s no excuse not to make it tonight.
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Mac and Cheese
Creamy homemade mac and cheese made from scratch with cheddar and mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food. Baked until bubbly with a golden crust.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
2 cups whole milk
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp mustard powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to form a roux.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
4. Add seasonings and cheeses; stir until smooth.
5. Combine sauce and pasta in a baking dish.
6. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add 2 oz of cream cheese.
To make ahead, prepare up to baking stage and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Best served hot, straight from the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy, baked mac and cheese, gather the following:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for best flavor)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Want to mix it up? Try swapping in Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a more complex flavor profile. For a fun twist, toss in cooked bacon bits or a handful of broccoli – like the one used in broccoli cheddar soup – to add texture and richness.
How to Make Mac and Cheese
Making homemade mac and cheese is easier than it looks. Follow these steps and you’ll have the dreamiest dish ready in no time:
- Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni until just al dente. It’ll continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it.
- Make the roux: Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour until smooth. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flavor.
- Create the sauce: Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Cook until it thickens, then stir in seasonings and cheeses until melted and velvety.
- Combine: Stir pasta into the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Bake: Pour into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
If you’re a fan of creamy baked dishes, you’ll love this method just like the one in our crockpot cheeseburger soup recipe.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Mac and Cheese
Use a cheese blend. Combining cheddar and mozzarella gives that ideal melt and stretch. Add a bit of cream cheese if you like a thicker texture.
Don’t overbake. Once the top is lightly golden, pull it out; the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Make it fancy. Stir in lobster, pulled chicken, or spinach for a twist.
Make ahead. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
This flexibility makes mac and cheese perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any night you want pure comfort without fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese works best for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but adding mozzarella, Gruyère, or Colby Jack gives more depth. For extra creaminess, a spoonful of cream cheese or Velveeta never hurts.
How do you keep mac and cheese creamy?
Avoid overbaking, use enough milk, and always whisk your roux properly. A little pasta water helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, refrigerate it covered, and bake when ready. Just add ¼ cup extra milk before baking to maintain that luscious texture.
What can I add to mac and cheese to make it better?
Crispy bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed veggies all add flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Homemade mac and cheese is more than a dish, it’s a moment of joy, a taste of home, a way to slow down and savor the simple things. Whether you’re serving it with green bean casserole for a Sunday dinner or making a quick version alongside crockpot chicken alfredo tortellini, it always brings people together.
So, grab that pot, whisk that sauce, and let your kitchen fill with the smell of melted cheese and memories.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
