This homemade mac and cheese is topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a comforting meal. It’s easy to make the cheese sauce from scratch, starting with a roux and adding milk, Cheddar and Parmesan for a rich and decadent Sauce that covers every nook and cranny of the pasta.
Homemade macaroni and cheese ingredients
These are the ingredients you need to make the best homemade mac and cheese of your life:
Macaroni: This homemade macaroni and cheese starts with a box of uncooked macaroni pasta.
Butter and flour: You will need butter and flour to make a roux for the cheese sauce. You will also need two tablespoons of butter for the filling.
Milk: Use whole milk for the richest flavor and texture.
Cheese: This baked mac and cheese recipe calls for cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Spices: salt and pepper enter the Sauce while Paprika is sprinkled on the filling.
Breadcrumbs: Use store-bought dried breadcrumbs or make your own at home.
How to make macaroni and cheese
Below is the complete step-by-step recipe, but here is a brief overview of what you can expect when making this versatile homemade mac and cheese:
Boil the pasta, drain and transfer to a prepared baking dish.
Prepare the cheese sauce, pour the Sauce over the pasta and stir.
Prepare the filling, spread it over the macaroni and cheese and sprinkle with Paprika.
Bake the macaroni and cheese until the filling is golden brown.
Best cheese for macaroni and cheese
This homemade mac and cheese recipe uses a classic blend of sharp Cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The Cheddar is a fantastic base, while the Parmesan gives a more complex and salty flavor. Of course, you can customize this recipe to your taste: Gruyère, Monterey Jack and Gouda are perfect for macaroni and cheese.
How long to cook macaroni and cheese
At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, these macaroni and cheese should be perfectly golden and sticky after about 30 minutes.
What goes with the mac and cheese?
This classic macaroni and cheese recipe works well as a side dish or appetizer.
How to heat macaroni and cheese
Let the leftovers cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
Warm up the homemade macaroni and cheese in the oven or microwave. If you are worried that it will dry out during the heating process, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk.
Can you freeze mac and cheese?
Yes, you can freeze homemade mac and cheese if you don’t want to eat it within four days. Transfer your leftovers to zip-lock freezer bags in portion-sized portions. Wrap each bag in aluminum foil and freeze flat for up to six months. Leave to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Advice and praise from the Allrecipes community
“It’s definitely a favorite in my house,” Magic says. “I use almond milk instead of regular milk and add chicken to make a chicken macaroni casserole. Also added more Cheddar.”
“My family is constantly asking for this mac and cheese,” Shively enthuses. “I put fried onions on it for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Absolutely Love, love, love this recipe!”