This homemade mac and cheese recipe is a classic comfort food you'll want to make again and again. The creamy cheese sauce, made with a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, perfectly coats the tender macaroni.
Topped with a crispy layer of golden, buttery breadcrumbs, it adds a perfect crunchy contrast to the dish. This recipe is versatile and customizable.
You can add your favorite herbs, spices, or even some crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor. It's a dish perfect for a family dinner or a side dish for potlucks and gatherings. It's easy to make, and with some prep work, you can have a comforting bowl of homemade mac and cheese in no time.
For more Cheese Pasta recipes, check out Tuna Pasta Casserole, Easy Baked Pasta with Creamed Spinach, Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, and Baked Spaghetti.
How to Make Mac and Cheese
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 375 °F and set an oven rack in the middle. Grease a 9 by 13-inch (3Qt) glass baking dish with butter; set aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and add the macaroni noodles.
Cook the noodles according to the package directions until they are barely al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 1 stick of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk continuously to form a smooth, light-brown roux for about 2 minutes.
While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the cheeses, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.
Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the panko, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the sauce is bubbly, and the macaroni is browned on top.
Related Recipes:
- Creamy Pasta with mushroom and Caramelized Onions
- Tuna Pasta Casserole Beef Braciole with Buttered Pasta
- Baked Pasta
- Creamy Fettucine
- Baked Ziti
📖 Recipe
Easy Mac and cheese
Tools
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin Olive oil or canola oil
- 1 pound elbow macaroni , pipette, cavatappi, or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 4- quart water
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2-½ cups whole milk
- 1 12 oz (1-½) full-fat evaporated milk or whole milk
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (8 oz) Kraft Italian Five Cheese with a touch of Cream Cheese , shredded
- 2 cups mild or sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese , shredded
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the topping:
- 1 ½ cups Panko Italian Style Bread Crumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted or extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Grease a 9 by 13-inch (3Qt) glass baking dish with butter; set aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and add the macaroni noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package directions until they are barely al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 1 stick of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk continuously to form a smooth, light-brown roux for about 2 minutes.
- While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the cheeses, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.
- Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the panko, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on top.
Notes
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, and add a splash of milk or cream to help keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated.
- Stovetop: Place the macaroni and cheese in a saucepan and stir over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help keep it moist until heated.
- Microwave: Place the macaroni and cheese in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or cream, and cover the dish. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir the macaroni and cheese halfway through heating to ensure even reheating.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
