Baked Mac and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese recipe does not disappoint. I love mac and cheese and happen to think every meal is better with it. This Easy Side Dish complete any meal with its creamy and cheesy texture. We love to serve it with Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe.

This baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. If you love this recipe, then you need to make Tiktok Mac and Cheese, Taco Mac and Cheese or White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.

Can I Make this Recipe on the Stove Top?

If you would prefer to make this on your stove top, you can! We have a stove top version if you want to try this easy homemade macaroni and cheese recipe.

You will cook your pasta according to package and then add the remaining of the ingredients. Occasionally we will do this option if my oven is full of with baking items. Either way, it is very tasty

Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni – We like using large elbow macaroni but use the size or pasta you prefer.
• Butter – We prefer to use unsalted butter. If you use salted butter, you may need to reduce the salt
• All Purpose Flour – You can also substitute with whole wheat flour
• Milk and Heavy Cream – We prefer to use whole milk and heavy whipping cream for a creamy texture.
• Onion Powder – See Best Onion Powder Substitutes if you are out
• Garlic Powder – If you are out, see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese  and Gruyere Cheese – The combination of these two cheeses gives the best flavor and we think it is the best cheese to use

Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Cheese Sauce – You can try other types of cheese. Try mozzarella, Colby jack, mild cheddar, pepper jack, Fontina or anything you prefer. If you can, shred your own cheese. It is so much better for you and taste better than the pre-shredded cheese.
• Breadcrumbs – The panko topping is amazing but if you are out, try using crackers. We have used crushed Ritz Crackers and it turned out fabulous.
• Pasta – Use any type of noodles you have on hand. Penne, bowtie or any type will work.
• Veggies – Puree cauliflower to sneak into the sauce if you want to get some veggies in.
• Add Meat – Toss in leftover Rotisserie chicken or even tuna to make this like a casserole.
• Seasoning – For a little kick of flavor, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the roux. We have even added ½ tsp of mustard powder.
• Bacon – Sprinkle some bacon on top. If we have some bacon cooked, we like to crumble it up and put it on top or even mix in before baking.

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9X13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. 

Step 2 – Cook the macaroni 1 minute less than al dente based on the package instructions over medium heat in a large pot.  Drain and rinse with cold water, set aside. 

Step 3 – Melt the butter in a large deep skillet over medium high heat.

Step 4 – Whisk in the flour and cook and whisk for 1 minute.

Step 5 – Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until combined and smooth. Cook and whisk until the mixture comes to a low boil.  Then continue to cook for 2 minutes while whisking. 

Step 6 – Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.  Remove from heat. 

Step 7 – Stir in the shredded cheese, 1 cup at a time, mixing until combined and melted. 

Step 8 – Mix in the cooled pasta until it’s covered in the sauce.  Pour into the prepared baking dish. 

Step 9 – In a separate bowl, stir together the topping ingredients.  Sprinkle the topping over the top of the pasta. 

• Step 10 – Baking for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. 
• Step 11 – Remove from the oven, let sit for 5-10 minutes and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!  

Recipe Tips

• Cook Pasta – Make sure to cook the pasta less than you normally would. The pasta will continue to cook while baking.
• Casserole Dish – Prepare the casserole dish before pouring in the homemade mac and cheese. We recommend spraying with cooking spray to easily serve and making cleanup a breeze. You can use a 3 or 4 quart baking dish instead of the 9X13 baking dish.
• Combining the Ingredients – Make sure to continue to stir while pouring in the milk to avoid lumps.
• Shredding Cheese – I recommend shredding your own cheese for the best results instead of buying pre-shredded.