- Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 4 cups room-temperature whole milk, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 2 tbsp melted butter for the topping.
- Cook Pasta & Start the Sauce
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain and set aside. In the same pot, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and smells slightly nutty.
- Create the Cheese Sauce
Gradually whisk in the room-temperature milk, about 1 cup at a time, ensuring the mixture is completely smooth before adding more. Once all milk is incorporated, cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine & Bake
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently until every piece is thoroughly coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and the 2 tbsp of melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the macaroni. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Rest & Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and ensuring the perfect creamy texture. Serve warm as a decadent side or a satisfying main course.
- Calories:680 kcal
- Protein:29 g
- Carbohydrates:58 g
- Sugar:10 g
- Salt:1.2 g
- Energy:2845 kJ
- Fat:36 g
You know the craving: that deep, soul-satisfying need for a dish that is both a pillow of comfort and a celebration of texture. The kind that promises a velvety, rich interior and a shatteringly crisp, golden-brown top. If you’re searching for that ultimate homemade baked mac and cheese, you’ve landed in the right place. This baked mac and cheese recipe delivers precisely that, a foolproof journey from boxed nostalgia to a truly legendary main or side dish.
The (Brief) Lore of Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
While macaroni and cheese has roots tracing back to 14th-century Italy, it was Thomas Jefferson who helped popularize it in America after being served a version in France. The baked iteration, however, is a uniquely American triumph—a potluck and holiday staple born from the simple, brilliant idea of adding a crunchy, oven-baked crust to an already beloved creamy pasta. It’s a dish built for sharing and for leaving a lasting impression.
Why This Version Stands Out
What separates a good mac and cheese casserole from a great one? It’s the balance. Many recipes are either too dry or too soupy. This one achieves a luxuriously creamy baked mac and cheese sauce that clings to every elbow, thanks to a classic roux base and a blend of cheeses that melt like a dream. The top bakes into a crisp, savory lid that gives way to the tender, cheesy paradise beneath. It’s the best of both worlds in one dish.
A Non-Negotiable Pro-Tip: Temperature is Everything
Here’s my ‘Aha!’ moment: the key to a smooth sauce is temperature control. You must add room-temperature milk to your roux, just a splash at a time, whisking vigorously to create an emulsion before adding more. Adding cold milk all at once is a surefire way to get a lumpy, grainy sauce. Patience here pays off in a silky-smooth finish that makes this the best baked mac and cheese recipe in your arsenal.
Serving & Pairing: Think Beyond the Bowl
This homemade baked mac and cheese is glorious on its own, but it also loves company. For a classic comfort meal, pair it with juicy, slow-cooked pulled pork or crispy baked chicken thighs. The rich, creamy profile is beautifully cut by something bright and acidic—try a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Beer lovers, reach for a malty amber ale; wine drinkers, a buttery Chardonnay will complement the sauce perfectly.
Delicious Variations & Clever Substitutions
This oven baked mac and cheese is a fantastic canvas. For an easy baked mac and cheese recipe, use pre-shredded cheese (though freshly grated melts better!). To make it a loaded macaroni and cheese, stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, and broccoli florets before baking. Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF flour blend and pasta. For a sharper kick, swap half the cheddar for Gruyère. You can even turn this into a baked macaroni recipe with meat by layering in a hearty Bolognese sauce. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile macaroni casserole for any occasion.
Make-Ahead & Storage Wisdom
This dish is a meal-prep hero. You can assemble the entire mac and cheese casserole a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes in the oven. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven (covered with foil) at 350°F until warmed through. The microwave will work in a pinch but will soften the topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta shapes? Absolutely! Cavatappi, shells, or rigatoni are excellent choices for holding onto the creamy sauce in this baked macaroni.
Why did my sauce break or become grainy? This usually happens if the cheese is added to a sauce that’s too hot or is overheated. Remove the sauce from the heat before stirring in the cheese, and it should melt smoothly.
How do I get an extra-crispy top? For serious crunch, sprinkle a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and a little extra grated cheese over the top before baking. For more science-backed kitchen tips, check out the experts at Serious Eats.
So there you have it. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a project of love, a guarantee of smiles, and your new go-to for any gathering that calls for serious comfort food. I promise, once you taste this creamy baked mac and cheese with its perfect golden crust, the boxed stuff will forever be a distant memory. Now, go preheat that oven and get ready for the compliments. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below, and explore our recipe collection for more inspired ideas!
