The crackle of that crust. The creamy middle. It takes me straight back to Sunday potlucks and grandma’s “no measuring” method. This BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is making a comeback oozing all over Pinterest boards and TikTok scrolls as the ultimate cozy dish.
This is pure golden comfort. Elbows, heaps of cheddar, and a buttery topping baked to bubbling perfection. It’s an easy mac and cheese casserole baked right from what you’ve already got at home. Think boxed vibes, upgraded. Full details in the blog!
I learned this one the hands-on way a few scorched pans and one cheese disaster later. But now? It’s my go-to for family dinners and “save the day” nights. No fads or fluff here. I tested it. You’ll love the secret that makes it hit just right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust that’s just begging to be cracked open.
Beginner-friendly: The steps are simple, the ingredients are pantry staples, and there’s plenty of room for happy mistakes.
Perfect for feeding a crowd: Whether it’s a holiday or a regular weekday, this dish feels like a warm hug for everyone at the table.
That nostalgic kick: It’s like the mac and cheese we grew up with, but leveled up no cardboard “cheese” here!
Key Ingredients and Substitution Swaps
Good newsthis BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is made with simple ingredients you either already have or can grab easily. Here’s the lineup along with some possible swaps:
Ingredient
Purpose
Possible Swap
Elbow macaroni
The classic pasta base
Any short pasta like shells or cavatappi
Cheddar cheese
Rich, tangy cheesiness
Colby Jack or Gouda for a milder taste
Milk + heavy cream
Silky, creamy sauce
All whole milk if you don’t have cream
Panko breadcrumbs
Crispy topping perfection
Crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water for about 7 minutes, until just shy of done (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to get rid of the raw taste. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened and bubbly. Stir in 3 cups of cheddar, mozzarella, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine & assemble: Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated, then pour it all into a greased baking dish.
Add that golden crust: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top. Add the remaining cheddar cheese for extra melty goodness.
Bake: Pop it in a 375°F oven for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2 minutes at the end if you want an extra crispy topping.
Pro Tip: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets up perfectly and doesn’t fall apart when you serve!
Troubleshooting: Your FAQs Answered
Tried it and ran into issues? Here’s how to make your easy mac and cheese casserole baked flawlessly:
Sauce too thin? Don’t rush the thickening stepkeep whisking until it coats the back of a spoon.
Cheese not melting smoothly? Use freshly shredded cheese! Pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that can make it clump.
Topping too pale? Hit it with the broiler for a minute, but watch it closelybreadcrumbs crisp up quickly!
Can I reheat it? Yes! Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes to bring it back to life.
Quick Baking & Timing Chart
Here’s a cheat sheet to keep your cooking on track:
Step
Time
Boil the macaroni
7–9 minutes
Cheese sauce preparation
10 minutes
Baking time
20–25 minutes
Optional broil
1–2 minutes
Storage and Reheating Tips
Creamy dishes like this oven-baked mac and cheese can still shine as leftovershere’s how:
Storage: Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (covered with foil to prevent drying) until warmed through. A microwave works in a pinch, but the crust won’t stay as crisp.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Storage Method
Timeframe
Fridge
Up to 4 days
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Expert Insight: Mastering the BEST HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
Achieving the BEST HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE requires balancing creamy cheese sauce with a crisp, golden topping. Using a blend of sharp and mild cheeses enhances depth, while baking allows flavors to meld and textures to contrast, creating a comforting dish that stands out in both taste and technique.
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The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Took More Than a Few Tries
After several attempts, including one slightly burnt batch that had my family racing for drinks, I finally nailed the best homemade baked mac and cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and crispy on topthe kind of recipe that only comes from real kitchen chaos and steady tasting over time.
FAQs ( Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe! )
What makes this the best homemade baked mac and cheese?
This recipe combines a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from scratch with perfectly cooked pasta and a golden, crispy top. The secret is using a blend of sharp cheddar and gruyere cheeses, plus a buttery breadcrumb topping that creates the perfect contrast of textures. Unlike store-bought versions, this homestyle mac n cheese delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. The result is a comfort food classic that’s both creamy inside and beautifully golden on top.
How long should I bake mac and cheese in the oven?
For the perfect oven-baked mac and cheese, bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you’re starting with cold mac and cheese from the refrigerator, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. The key is watching for that beautiful golden crust to form while ensuring the center is heated through. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly before the inside is fully heated.
Can I make this easy mac and cheese casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This easy mac and cheese casserole baked version is perfect for meal prep or entertaining. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 extra minutes if needed. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What type of cheese works best for baked mac and cheese?
The best oven baked mac and cheese uses a combination of cheeses for maximum flavor and creaminess. Sharp cheddar provides that classic tangy taste, while gruyere or fontina adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as fresh-grated cheese melts more smoothly. For extra indulgence, add a touch of cream cheese or mascarpone to make your delicious mac and cheese even more luxurious and creamy.
How do I prevent my baked mac and cheese from drying out?
To keep your mac and cheese creamy and prevent it from drying out, make sure your cheese sauce is slightly looser than you think it should be before baking. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid in the oven, so a slightly thinner sauce ensures the final result stays creamy. Cover with foil for the first half of baking, then remove to allow the top to brown. Adding a splash of milk or cream before baking also helps maintain that perfect, creamy consistency throughout.
Wrapping Up Your BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Adventure
BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish that gives you all the creamy, cozy vibesbaked to bubbly perfection in under an hour and totally doable, even on busy nights. You’ll love how the golden crust and rich cheese pull you back to those homestyle family dinners every single time.
Want to switch it up? Try stirring in crispy bacon or a pinch of smoked paprika for a little kick. Leftovers reheat beautifully (foil-covered in the oven is magic). A trick I picked up from a pro baker: sprinkle fresh herbs on top just before serving for a fresh pop that surprises!
Did this recipe make you smile or bring back a kitchen memory? Snap a pic, share your tweaks, and let’s swap family-dinner stories. Trust me, once you try this easy mac and cheese casserole baked, it’s gonna be your new go-to crowd-pleaser. Pass it on to those you lovebecause comfort food tastes best when shared.
This BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. Perfect for family dinners, this Easy Mac And Cheese Casserole Baked is packed with cheesy goodness and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Enjoy a delicious Oven-baked Mac And Cheese that’s both classic and irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
Whisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper until melted and smooth.
Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and mix well.
Pour macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter; sprinkle evenly over the top.
Sprinkle remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over breadcrumbs.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add a little more cheese or substitute some milk with cream
Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
Let the mac and cheese rest a few minutes before serving for best results
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
