Description
This Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting classic featuring creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare, combining a luscious cheese sauce with tender elbow macaroni and topped with crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish balances rich flavors and satisfying textures in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, constantly stirring to form a smooth paste called a roux, which will thicken your sauce.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. Add garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to infuse these flavors evenly.
- Add the cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until all the cheese has melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce thoroughly, then pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the top evenly with breadcrumbs for an added crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mild mozzarella for a balanced cheesy flavor.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a pleasant crunch.
- You can add cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables like broccoli to customize the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
