There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, bubbling dish of classic baked mac and cheese fresh from the oven. With tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and finished with a golden baked topping, this timeless recipe is a family favorite that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, this dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
This homemade baked mac and cheese recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and cheesy, without being heavy or greasy. A smooth roux-based cheese sauce ensures every bite is luxuriously rich, while baking the casserole adds that irresistible crispy top layer everyone loves. It’s comfort food done right—classic, reliable, and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for potlucks, Thanksgiving sides, or Sunday dinners, this oven-baked mac and cheese pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to barbecue dishes. It’s easy to customize with different cheeses, add-ins like bacon or jalapeños, or even extra breadcrumbs for crunch. No boxed mix here—just real ingredients and real flavor.
If you’re searching for the best baked mac and cheese recipe, this one checks all the boxes: easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. From holiday tables to everyday meals, this creamy baked mac and cheese is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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Baked Mac and Cheese
This classic baked mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and topped with a golden, buttery crust. Made with tender elbow pasta and a velvety cheese sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 oz elbow macaroni
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk (warm)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
1 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Create Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Combine: Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
Bake: Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter (optional). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Rest & Serve: Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.
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Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy while baking.
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For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese.
Variations
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Extra Cheesy: Add Gruyère, fontina, or gouda.
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Bacon Mac: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
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Protein Boost: Mix in cooked chicken or ham.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
