Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. Featuring a creamy cheese sauce blended with high-quality cheeses, perfectly baked for a delightful crust, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup additional cheeses (Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Parmesan)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions but slightly undercook. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk and cream, stirring until smooth. Bring to a simmer until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated cheeses until melted. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
- Add macaroni to cheese sauce and stir to coat. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with extra cheese if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, use a roux made with butter and flour.
- Grate cheese fresh for best melting results.
- Do not overcook pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- You can customize with add-ins like bacon, vegetables, or breadcrumbs.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat with a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese, mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy cheese sauce