Few comfort foods are as universally loved as baked mac and cheese.
Tender macaroni is coated in a rich, creamy homemade cheese sauce before being baked until bubbling and golden on top.
The result is creamy in the center, cheesy throughout, and slightly crisp around the edges.
This homemade macaroni and cheese is perfect for family dinners, weekend meals, potlucks, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other gatherings.
Unlike boxed versions, this recipe uses real cheese and a simple homemade sauce that gives the dish a rich and satisfying flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac and Cheese
- Creamy and cheesy: Every bite is packed with melted cheese.
- Golden baked topping: The oven creates a deliciously browned top.
- Simple ingredients: Easy ingredients create a homemade result.
- Family friendly: A classic dish that works for both kids and adults.
- Great for gatherings: Perfect for holidays and potlucks.
- Make ahead friendly: You can prepare parts of the recipe in advance.
- Customizable: Add bacon, vegetables, chicken, or different cheeses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- Salt, for the pasta water
For the Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Paprika
- Freshly cracked black pepper
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Set it aside.
2. Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the elbow macaroni.
Cook until just shy of al dente according to the package instructions.
The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking it at this stage.
Drain the pasta well.
Do not rinse it.
3. Make the Roux
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the flour.
Whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes.
The mixture should become smooth and lightly bubbly.
4. Add the Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly.
Add the heavy cream.
Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth.
Cook over medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken.
Don’t allow it to boil aggressively.
5. Add the Seasonings
Stir in:
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.
Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely.
The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
7. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
Stir until every piece of pasta is coated.
The mixture should look slightly creamier than you want the final dish because the pasta will absorb some of the sauce while baking.
8. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly.
9. Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top.
Combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese.
10. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
For a darker topping, place it under the broiler briefly at the end.
Watch carefully because breadcrumbs can brown quickly.
11. Rest Before Serving
Remove the mac and cheese from the oven.
Allow it to rest for about 5–10 minutes.
This gives the sauce time to settle and makes serving easier.
Garnish with fresh parsley and black pepper if desired.
Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Shred cheese directly from the block when possible.
Some pre shredded cheeses contain ingredients that can affect how smoothly they melt.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
The pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
Cooking it until just shy of al dente helps prevent mushy macaroni.
Don’t Overheat the Cheese
Keep the cheese sauce over low heat once the cheese is added.
Excessive heat can cause the sauce to become greasy or grainy.
Make Plenty of Sauce
The pasta absorbs sauce as it bakes.
A generous amount of cheese sauce helps keep the finished mac and cheese creamy.
Let It Rest
Allowing the dish to rest for several minutes after baking makes it easier to serve without the sauce running everywhere.
Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese
Sharp cheddar is an excellent base because it provides strong cheesy flavor.
You can combine several cheeses for a more complex result.
Good options include:
- Sharp cheddar
- Mild cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Colby Jack
- Gruyère
- Gouda
- Parmesan
- Fontina
For the best texture, combine a flavorful cheese with one that melts smoothly.
Can I Use Different Pasta?
Yes.
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but other shapes work well.
Try:
- Shells
- Cavatappi
- Rotini
- Penne
- Gemelli
- Small shells
- Rigatoni
Curved or ridged pasta shapes are especially good at holding onto the cheese sauce.
Baked Mac and Cheese Variations
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Cook crispy bacon and crumble it into the pasta before baking.
Reserve some bacon for the top.
Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
Add finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
You can also add pickled jalapeños for extra tang.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Add shredded cooked chicken and a little buffalo sauce.
Top with extra cheddar before baking.
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Add steamed broccoli florets before transferring the pasta to the baking dish.
Garlic Mac and Cheese
Add additional garlic powder or roasted garlic to the cheese sauce.
Three Cheese Mac and Cheese
Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan for a simple three cheese combination.
Gouda Mac and Cheese
Replace some of the cheddar with smoked or regular Gouda.
This creates a richer and slightly more complex flavor.
Spicy Mac and Cheese
Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced chili peppers.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese Creamier
The key is to start with plenty of cheese sauce.
Don’t use too little liquid.
Whole milk and heavy cream provide a rich base.
You can also add a little extra cheese before baking.
Most importantly, avoid overbaking.
The longer the dish stays in the oven, the more liquid the pasta absorbs.
How to Get a Crispy Top
For a crispy topping, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan.
Spread the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake until golden.
You can also briefly use the broiler at the end.
Keep a close eye on the dish during broiling.
Can I Make Mac and Cheese Without Breadcrumbs?
Absolutely.
Simply add a generous layer of shredded cheese on top before baking.
The cheese will melt and brown in the oven.
Can I Make It Without Heavy Cream?
Yes.
Replace the heavy cream with additional whole milk.
The result will be slightly lighter but still creamy.
Can I Use Evaporated Milk?
Yes.
Evaporated milk can work well in macaroni and cheese and provides a creamy texture.
Can I Add Meat?
Yes.
Popular additions include:
- Bacon
- Cooked chicken
- Ground beef
- Pulled pork
- Sausage
- Ham
Make sure any meat added to the recipe is already fully cooked.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Yes.
Good options include:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- Peas
- Roasted bell peppers
- Caramelized onions
- Jalapeños
What to Serve With Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese works well as either a side dish or a main meal.
Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken and creamy mac and cheese make a classic comfort food combination.
BBQ Chicken
The smoky flavor of barbecue chicken balances the richness of the cheese.
Pulled Pork
Serve the mac and cheese alongside pulled pork for a hearty meal.
Roasted Chicken
A simple roasted chicken makes a great family dinner with baked mac and cheese.
Green Beans
Fresh green beans provide a lighter vegetable side.
Roasted Broccoli
The roasted edges of broccoli pair nicely with creamy cheese sauce.
Green Salad
A crisp salad with a tangy dressing helps balance the richness of the dish.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time
You can assemble the dish several hours before baking.
Prepare the pasta and cheese sauce as directed.
Transfer everything to the baking dish.
Add the topping.
Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
If baking directly from the refrigerator, it may need additional time in the oven.
Avoid leaving prepared food at room temperature for extended periods.
How to Store Leftover Mac and Cheese
Allow the leftovers to cool appropriately.
Transfer them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
How to Reheat Baked Mac and Cheese
For individual servings, microwave gently in short intervals.
Add a small splash of milk before reheating if the pasta seems dry.
For larger portions, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in the oven.
The goal is to warm it gently without drying out the cheese sauce.
Can You Freeze Baked Mac and Cheese?
Yes.
Allow the dish to cool completely.
Transfer it to a freezer safe container or wrap it securely.
For best texture, thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cream based sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, so freshly baked mac and cheese will generally have the best consistency.
Why Is My Mac and Cheese Dry?
There are several possible reasons:
- Too little cheese sauce
- Overcooking the pasta
- Baking for too long
- Using too much pasta
- Not allowing enough liquid in the sauce
The pasta continues absorbing sauce while baking, so don’t start with a sauce that’s already very thick.
Why Is My Cheese Sauce Grainy?
A grainy sauce can result from excessive heat or cheese that doesn’t melt smoothly.
To prevent this:
- Use moderate heat.
- Add cheese gradually.
- Stir continuously.
- Use freshly shredded cheese.
- Don’t boil the cheese sauce.
Why Did My Cheese Sauce Separate?
Cheese sauce can separate when exposed to excessive heat.
Keep the temperature moderate and remove the sauce from high heat before adding large amounts of cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese is best for baked mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is a great base, but combining cheddar with Monterey Jack, Gouda, Gruyère, or Parmesan can create excellent flavor and texture.
Should I cook the pasta before baking?
Yes.
Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente before combining it with the cheese sauce.
Why is my baked mac and cheese dry?
The pasta may have absorbed too much sauce because there wasn’t enough cheese sauce or the dish was baked too long.
Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes.
Assemble it ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
Yes, although the texture may change slightly after freezing.
Can I use pre shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese often melts more smoothly.
Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
Yes.
Simply top the dish with shredded cheese.
Can I add chicken?
Yes.
Cooked shredded chicken makes this a hearty main dish.
Can I add bacon?
Yes.
Crispy bacon is an excellent addition.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes.
Use gluten free pasta and a suitable gluten free flour or thickener.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes.
Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.
Is baked mac and cheese a side dish or main dish?
It can be either.
Serve smaller portions alongside meat and vegetables as a side dish or larger portions as a main meal.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition will vary depending on the type and amount of cheese, milk, cream, pasta, and toppings used.
For accurate nutritional information, calculate the recipe using the exact ingredients and brands you purchase.
Final Thoughts
This easy baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, comforting, and perfect for almost any occasion.
The homemade cheese sauce gives the pasta a rich flavor, while the golden breadcrumb and cheese topping adds a satisfying contrast.
Serve it as a side dish for roasted chicken or barbecue, or enjoy a larger portion as a cozy dinner.
You can also customize the recipe with bacon, broccoli, jalapeños, chicken, or different cheese combinations.
Once you have this basic recipe, you’ll have an easy homemade mac and cheese that can be adapted for everything from ordinary weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings.
Recipe Card
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- Salt for pasta water
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni until just shy of al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk and heavy cream while whisking.
- Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Gradually add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.
- Stir until smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni.
- Mix until completely coated.
- Transfer to the baking dish.
- Top with cheddar.
- Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.