Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Introduction

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese recipe! With its creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is a true classic. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, making it for a crowd of 40 people, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this gooey baked mac and cheese is guaranteed to satisfy.

This mac and cheese oven recipe is made with a blend of six different cheeses for a rich, indulgent flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion—from a holiday gathering to a simple weeknight dinner. If you’ve ever wondered how to make mac and cheese homemade or need an easy make-ahead recipe, this one’s for you!

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese

• Rich & Creamy – Made with a luscious, velvety cheese sauce.
• Gooey & Cheesy – A delicious blend of six different cheeses.
• Perfectly Baked – Crispy golden breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch.
• Great for a Crowd – Easily scalable for gatherings and potlucks.
• Classic Comfort Food – The ultimate dish for any cheese lover.

Ingredients for Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese

Gather these ingredients to make this creamy baked mac and cheese:

Main Ingredients:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded Colby cheese

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Large saucepan
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Parmesan, and Colby cheeses. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Make the Topping

In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, and dried parsley. Sprinkle the topping over the mac and cheese.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

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Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Add a Touch of Spice – Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a hint of heat.
• Make It Ahead – Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• For Extra Creaminess – Add an extra ½ cup of heavy cream for a richer sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta – Cook it al dente to prevent mushiness.
• Skipping the Roux – The roux helps create a creamy sauce that binds the cheese.
• Using Low-Quality Cheese – High-quality cheese makes a huge difference in flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

• Six Cheese Mac and Cheese – Swap any cheese with pepper jack, fontina, or gouda for different flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
• Add Protein – Mix in cooked chicken, bacon, or lobster for a heartier dish.
• Vegetarian Version – Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra veggies.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade mac and cheese pairs perfectly with:

• A fresh green salad for balance.
• Roasted vegetables for extra nutrients.
• Garlic bread for an indulgent side.

How to Store & Reheat Mac and Cheese

Storing:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Freezing:

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

2. How do I make this dish for a crowd of 40 people?

Multiply the ingredients by 4 and bake in large disposable foil pans.

3. Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Try cavatappi, penne, or shells for a fun twist.

4. How do I make this mac and cheese healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduce the cheese, and add extra vegetables for a lighter version.

Conclusion

This Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese is the perfect combination of creamy, gooey, and crispy. Whether you’re making it as a side dish, a main course, or for a crowd, this classic comfort food will always be a hit. With its blend of six cheeses and golden breadcrumb topping, it’s guaranteed to be the star of any meal.

Try this all-recipes mac and cheese today and experience the ultimate in cheesy goodness! If you love this recipe, be sure to share it with family and friends and subscribe for more comforting dishes! 😊

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