What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, bringing creamy, cheesy goodness to your table in just a few simple steps. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The crispy, golden breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, while the gooey cheese sauce guarantees every bite is rich and satisfying. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite mix-ins like bacon, broccoli, or extra spices to make it your own!
Recipe
Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy sauce with tender pasta, baked to perfection with a golden crust. This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika (if using), cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top (optional).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes:
- For a creamier texture, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra flavor and texture.
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking dish
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 4-6 servings
Nutrition
This homemade baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. It’s perfect for a hearty meal or side dish.
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade baked mac and cheese with a light salad to balance out the richness of the dish – it’s fresh, crunchy, and totally hits the spot. Adding warm, buttery garlic bread on the side makes it feel like a full, comforting meal. Trust me, the combo’s unbeatable!
Light Salad Options
Since baked mac and cheese is so rich and comforting, I like to balance it out with something fresh and light on the side. A simple green salad with mixed lettuces, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette always does the trick. I also love adding arugula for a peppery bite or tossing in some shredded carrots for extra crunch. Another favorite is a Caesar salad with crisp romaine and a light dressing, skipping the heavy croutons. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll make a spinach salad with strawberries and almonds—it’s sweet, nutty, and pairs perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese.
Garlic Bread Pairing
Garlic bread is another fantastic side that’s hard to resist when serving baked mac and cheese. I love how the crispy, buttery slices pair perfectly with the creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s like they’re made for each other! When I make garlic bread at home, I slather fresh Italian bread with garlic butter, sprinkle a little parsley, and toast it until golden. Sometimes, I’ll even add a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort. The combination feels indulgent, yet it’s so simple. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever served mac and cheese without it!
