Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese: Creamy Comfort Food for 6 Servings

  • Author: Jake Lylia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère, coating tender elbow macaroni and topped with a buttery Panko breadcrumb crust. Ready in under an hour, it serves six and offers a comforting, cheesy experience perfect for weeknight meals or holiday gatherings. Follow the simple steps for a restaurant‑quality casserole that’s both rich and delightfully crunchy. Serve hot with a green salad for a complete, satisfying dinner

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (7‑8 minutes), drain and let steam dry for a minute.
  3. In a heavy‑bottomed saucepan melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat, whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until light golden.
  4. Gradually whisk 3 cups milk into the roux, stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (4‑5 minutes). Lower heat and add 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup shredded Gruyère until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Transfer the drained macaroni to a large bowl and pour the cheese sauce over it, tossing gently until evenly coated.
  7. In a small bowl combine 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, mixing until lightly coated.
  8. Lightly grease a 9‑by‑13‑inch baking dish, spread the macaroni‑cheese mixture evenly, and sprinkle the buttered Panko over the top.
  9. Bake for 25‑30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest 5‑10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crunch
  • toast Panko before mixing with butter. Use freshly grated cheese for best melt. Let the casserole rest 5‑10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices. Nutrition is approximate.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 servings

Keywords: Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, baked mac and cheese, comfort food casserole, cheesy pasta bake, quick dinner ideas, creamy cheese sauce, family dinner recipes, holiday side dish, best mac and cheese, cheesy baked pasta

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us on Facebook!

Find it online: https://www.cooklylia.com/homemade-baked-mac-and-cheese-creamy-comfort-food-for-6-servings/