Creamy, cheesy, oven-baked comfort
Skip the boxed mix and enjoy true comfort with this Homemade Mac and Cheese. A smooth, rich Cheddar and Parmesan sauce coats every bite of tender macaroni, while a buttery bread crumb topping turns crisp and golden in the oven. It’s family-friendly, cozy, and easy to make from scratch using simple pantry ingredients.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Total: 55 mins
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for topping)
- ½ cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 pinch paprika
Kitchen Tools
- Large pot
- Whisk & saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- 8-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni in salted water 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: Melt ¼ cup butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour; cook 3–5 minutes until light golden.
- Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk; simmer until thickened. Add cheeses, stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Pour sauce over pasta, mix well. Spread into greased baking dish.
- Topping: Melt 2 tbsp butter; mix with bread crumbs. Sprinkle on top with paprika. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.
- Cheese Options: Try Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a twist.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble 1 day early; bake when ready to serve.
- Serving: Delicious with roasted broccoli or garlic bread.
Main Body
This recipe shines for its creamy texture and flavor balance. The roux gives stability, preventing the sauce from splitting while baking. Using both Cheddar and Parmesan delivers rich and savory depth in every bite.
The topping adds contrast crisp buttered crumbs that give the mac a golden crust without overpowering the creamy base. A sprinkle of paprika brings gentle warmth and color to the dish.
It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s comfort made simple and satisfying.
Variation Recipes
- Three-Cheese Blend: Add Gruyère and Gouda for nutty flavor.
- Broccoli & Chicken Bake: Mix in steamed broccoli and cooked chicken.
- Smoky Version: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
Conclusion
This Homemade Mac and Cheese proves that simple ingredients can create restaurant-worthy comfort food. Creamy inside, golden on top it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Nutrition (Estimated)
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary by brand or preparation.