BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese: Easy & Irresistible

There’s something undeniably cozy about a bubbling, golden pan of BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. This comforting classic has made a big comebacklighting up Pinterest, TikTok dinner hacks, and Reddit meal plans alike. The reason? It’s simple, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic. With just a handful of ingredients and one baking dish, you’re moments away from cheesy perfection.

Unlike the powdered box mix, this version features real cheesessharp cheddar and melty mozzarellafolded into tender elbow noodles and topped with crunchy, buttery breadcrumbs. Everything starts with pantry staples, a bit of kitchen magic, and a whole lot of love. It’s the modern take on grandma’s Sunday bake, done in less than an hour!

I learned to make mac and cheese at my aunt’s side, always sneaking shredded cheese when her back was turned. That’s where I discovered that food made with laughter and love always tastes better. This isn’t about the trendiest spinthis one’s about feel-good food made simple, tested in real kitchens with real memories. Stick aroundI’m sharing the trick that makes it extra luscious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why this is the BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. It’s the ultimate cozy dish and incredibly easy to pull together:

• Cheesy and creamy: Loaded with layers of bold cheddar and gooey mozzarella, giving you that rich, craveable texture.
• Crispy golden topping: Buttery panko breadcrumbs bake into a perfect, crunch-topped finish every time.
• Beginner-friendly: No fancy prepjust straightforward ingredients and simple steps anyone can follow.
• Family-approved: From kids to grandparents, everyone loves the comforting, cheesy bite of this classic casserole.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe brings together familiar pantry staples with just a few extras to nail that creamy and nostalgic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

This Easy Mac and Cheese Casserole combines simple steps with a rich payoff. Here’s how to master it:

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes, just until golden and fragrant.
3. Whisk in the liquids: Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened3 to 5 minutes.
4. Add the cheese: Lower heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar and all of the mozzarella. Keep stirring until smooth and velvety. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Combine and bake: Toss cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top. Mix panko with melted butter, sprinkle evenly, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tip: After baking, let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps the cheese sauce set and makes serving easier (and cleaner!).

Troubleshooting & Tweaks

Tried-and-true tips for making this mac and cheese just the way you like it:

• Too thick? Add a splash of warm milk to loosen up the sauce before combining with pasta.
• Lighter option: Substitute the heavy cream with an extra cup of milk. Use low-fat cheese for a lighter result.
• Bread topping alternative: Prefer a leaner finish? Use only 1 tablespoon of melted butter in the breadcrumb mix or skip it altogether.

Cheesy Swaps

Serving & Storage Tips

This baked mac and cheese doesn’t just wow on day onethe leftovers are equally satisfying. Here’s how to take care of your dish:

• For serving: Serve hot with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle of paprika can add flair.
• Leftovers: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for best texture, or microwave single portions with a splash of milk.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 10 minutes if needed.

Expert Insight: Mastering the BEST HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

Achieving the perfect baked mac and cheese hinges on balanceultra-creamy cheese sauce paired with a crisp topping that doesn’t overpower. A combination of flavorful cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina adds dimension, and baking until just bubbling ensures the sauce stays silky, not grainy. Pre-shredding your cheese fresh from the block for better melting is a small step with big pay-off!

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Finding the BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Perfecting this recipe took time and plenty of cheesy mishapsonce I overloaded it with cheese and the sauce nearly separated! But with a few tweaks and trial runs, I found the right balance between creamy and crusty, gooey and golden. This version feels familiar in the best way, yet fresh enough to feel like your signature dish at the family table.

FAQs ( Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe! )

Conclusion

The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is ready in under an hour and shines with everyday ingredients layered into luscious, cheesy comfort. Its golden, buttery crust delivers a satisfying crunch over steaming, creamy pasta that hits all the right notes.

If you’re feeling playful, try adding a pinch of cayenne or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to bring a touch of zing. Or, swap out half the cheddar for Gruyère for a meltier, nuttier profile. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the ovenjust cover to preserve moisture and enjoy it just like day one.

Give this one a try and tag me with your creationsI’d love to hear your twists and treasured family versions. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or bringing it to a gathering, this baked mac and cheese earns a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation!

Yesica Andrews

BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese: Easy & Irresistible

This BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Easy Mac And Cheese Casserole Baked to golden perfection makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy this Delicious Mac And Cheese that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Season the cheese sauce with salt and ground black pepper.
8. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
9. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
10. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
11. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni.
12. Top with the buttery panko breadcrumbs mixture.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
14. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.