Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese
Add Preferred SourceThis homemade Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Creamy, cheesy, and rich with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s so easy to make and packed with flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for more. This dish will be a new family favorite!
Why You Will Love Making Baked Mac and Cheese
Here are a few reasons why this recipe will become your go-to comfort food:
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to throw together any time.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite cheeses and even some broccoli for a healthier option.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a great dish that kids will love, perfect for family dinners.
- Make-Ahead: This recipe can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- Comfort Food: The creamy, cheesy sauce makes this the ultimate comfort food for cold days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Mac and Cheese with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making homemade mac and cheese is straightforward. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish from scratch.
Cook the Pasta
Begin by making the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Roux
Next, in a non-stick skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Add the mustard and flour, stirring until it forms a thick paste.
Make the Cheese Sauce
Gradually add the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the grated mature cheddar and parmesan cheese. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated.
Bake and Enjoy!
Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F). Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs.
Bake for 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter divided
- 2 ½ cups elbow pasta
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups mature cheddar grated
- ¼ cup Parmesan grated
- 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
Instructions
- Make the pasta according to package directions, drain, and reserve.2 ½ cups elbow pasta
- In a non-stick skillet, melt half of the butter and add the garlic. Cook for a couple of minutes, just until fragrant.¼ cup butter, 1 garlic clove
- Add the mustard and flour and mix until creamy to form a roux.2 tablespoons mustard, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Add the milk, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese.2 cups whole milk, 1 ½ cups mature cheddar, ¼ cup Parmesan grated
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir with a wooden spoon, until the sauce is creamy and all cheese has melted.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix well.
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F). Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.2 tablespoons bread crumbs
- Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese: Use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, and Monterey jack for a rich flavor.
- Pre-Shredded Cheese: Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it contains additives that can affect the sauce’s creaminess. Grating your own is cheaper too!
- Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter before sprinkling on top.
- Stovetop Option: For a quicker version, skip the baking and serve the mac and cheese directly from the stovetop. You can also skip the breadcrumbs in this version.
- Gluten-Free: You can substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this dish gluten-free.
- Thicker Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce or add a bit more cheese to thicken it.
- Add Meat: Adding bacon, ham, or chicken can make it a heartier meal. Just make sure it is cooked before mixing it in with the cheese sauce and pasta.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container after they have cooled to room temperature. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180ºC (350°F) until warmed through, or in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
- Freezing: Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Portion Control: Store in individual portions for quick and easy reheating.
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
To make the best mac and cheese, consider these expert tips:
- Cheese: Use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, and Monterey jack for a rich flavor.
- Pre-Shredded Cheese: Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it contains additives that can affect the sauce’s creaminess. Grating your own is cheaper too!
- Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter before sprinkling on top.
- Stovetop Option: For a quicker version, skip the baking and serve the mac and cheese directly from the stovetop. You can also skip the breadcrumbs in this version.
- Gluten-Free: You can substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this dish gluten-free.
- Thicker Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce or add a bit more cheese to thicken it.
- Add Meat: Adding bacon, ham, or chicken can make it a heartier meal. Just make sure it is cooked before mixing it in with the cheese sauce and pasta.
How to Store Leftover Mac and Cheese
Storing leftovers is simple and keeps your mac and cheese delicious for later.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container after they have cooled to room temperature. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180ºC (350°F) until warmed through, or in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
- Freezing: Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Portion Control: Store in individual portions for quick and easy reheating.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Save money while making this delicious homemade mac and cheese with these tips:
- Buy Cheese in Bulk: Purchase cheese in larger quantities and shred it yourself. It can be grated and frozen for later too!
- Homemade Breadcrumbs: Make breadcrumbs by blending leftover stale bread in a food processor.
- Any Pasta Will Do: Use up any shape of pasta you have on hand in your pantry like fusilli, penne, or spirali.
What to Serve with Homemade Mac and Cheese
Wondering what to serve with your mac and cheese? I have you covered! Here are a few ideas to round off your meal:
Tangy Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy mac and cheese. It’s easy to make and adds a bit of zing to your meal.
Air Fryer Broccoli
Crispy air fryer broccoli is a perfect match for creamy mac and cheese. Just toss the broccoli florets in a bit of oil, salt, and pepper, then let the air fryer work its magic. You’ll get crunchy, flavorful broccoli that’s a great contrast to the rich pasta.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken breasts or thighs make a great protein addition. The smoky flavor from the grill tastes delicious with the creamy cheese sauce.
Add in a side of Mississippi Mud Potatoes, and you’ve got yourself a real tasty treat.
