Baked Mac and Cheese

This homemade mac and cheese is the most delicious ooey gooey, extra creamy cheesy goodness with an amazing crunchy topping sprinkled on top. It’s easy to make and definitely better than the boxed macaroni and cheese. It’s a no brainer that your kids will love it and you’ll be making it again and again.

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

After allllllll the sweets I’ve been posting, I figured it was time for some savory classic like this homemade macaroni and cheese. Although it’s supposed to be a side dish, I sometimes just eat it as a meal. Whoops! Ok, ok, sometimes I add a vegetable with it. But who doesn’t love pasta smothered in creamy rich and dangerously cheesy sauce?!

I always love holiday time because that’s when everyone brings out their famous recipes of baked mac and cheese and it’s just heavenly. The thing I look forward to most next to homemade mashed potatoes. But really, we must not forget the extra goodness on top. Ever since I started adding the crunchy topping, it was an instant game changer. I can’t stop thinking about it.

This mac n cheese I bring to every Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s requested and I deliver. I should know better than to only make one serving as its a crowd pleaser and everyone goes back for seconds even the kids. It’s every pasta lover’s dream and I hope you enjoy it too!

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Mac and Cheese?

I kept it simple for you while still providing an amazing side dish.

• Pasta – I love using shells. I think that’s just the kid in me. Everyone wanted shells when we were younger and not every mac n cheese box made theirs with shells. Penne, elbows or whatever is your favorite pasta will work just as well!
• Milk – Milk gives the mac and cheese the base for the creamy sauce. The creamiest would be using whole milk, but if you wanted to skip a few calories and fat, you can use 1%, 2% or even skim.
• Butter- Butter is an essential part of the recipe. I am a big fan of using unsalted butter in all my recipes. This is to ensure none of the recipes come out too salty. It’s always easier to add salt at the end than end up with too salty of a dish that no one will eat.
• Flour – To help thicken the creamy sauce, we will use flour. We will essentially make a roux. It’s not hard but adds a nice consistency to the dish.
• Cheese – CHEESE. What is not to love at this. I went straight to my trusty sharp cheddar cheese but you can use any variety or mixture of cheese you prefer! Gouda, pepper jack, mozzarella, etc would all be amazing choices.
• Panko Crumbs – Panko crumbs provide that extra layer of crunch you didn’t even know was missing on top of your macaroni and cheese. So Good.
• Salt and Pepper – simple enough right?
• Paprika

Tips for Making Baked Mac and Cheese

• Make sure you only cook your pasta to al dente. This means your pasta will still be tough and not cooked all the way. The pasta will cook the rest of the way when it mixed in the sauce and baked in the oven. You don’t want to overcook your pasta or it will be mushy and fall apart.
• Don’t warm your milk before adding it to the mixture. Use cold or “cool” milk (milk left on the counter for a few minutes) to avoid clumping of the mixture.
• Shredding your own cheese is best! I’m sure you knew this. Even though it takes more time, it is well worth it. Shredded cheese tends to have additives that make it more grainy and harder to melt. But if you are in a pinch, shredded works just fine!

Storing Mac n Cheese

Can I make it in advance?

You can certainly make the mac n cheese in advance. Make a directed but don’t bake until the day of. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. After the sauce seems to be absorbed and it won’t be as creamy and delicious.

Can I Freeze It?

Of course! Just like making it in advance, assemble but don’t bake. When you are ready, thaw it and then bake as directed.

Any Variations to this Recipe?

You can absolutely add in a variety of different things to make it your own. Here in the south, we love seafood, so crawfish and shrimp are always winners. You can add in onions, garlic or other different seasonings as well. To make it a full meal, try adding some meat and a vegetable, like chicken and broccoli for a simple yet tasty meal.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love!

• Southwest Chicken Pasta
• Cajun Shrimp Pasta
• Spinach, Sausage and Tortellini Soup
• Creamy Zucchini Spinach and Parmesan Orzo
• The Best Chili Recipe
• Crockpot Lasagna Casserole
• Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Low-Carb Mini Cheeseburger Bites
• Roasted Vegetable Baked Ziti

Print

Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy homemade mac n cheese is a family favorite and classic with its creamy, gooey, cheesy pasta topped with more cheese and panko crumbs to give it a nice crunch. Kids love it and it's so easy to make especially the crunchy cheesy topping!

Course Main Course

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
• 3 cup milk
• 2 1/2 tbsp flour
• 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 panko crumbs
• 1 pinch paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Cook pasta al dente.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to start making a roux. Add in milk one cup at a time, stirring constantly.

4. Stir in cheeses and allow to simmer until sauce thickens. about 3-5 minutes.

5. Pour macaroni into the casserole dish and pour sauce on top. Gently stir to coat.

6. Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a small bowl. Stir in panko crumbs and a pinch of paprika. Stir.

7. Add to top of macaroni. Bake for 30 min then enjoy!

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