Here’s a classic, creamy + cheesy baked macaroni and cheese with a golden, crispy top—comfort food done right.
🧀 Homemade Baked Macaroni & Cheese
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (warm)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (for stretch)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional, for depth)
For topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente (slightly firm).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (this makes a roux).
- Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth.
- Cook until thickened (3–5 minutes).
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
3. Combine
- Mix cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.
- Stir in half of the parmesan.
4. Assemble
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining parmesan on top.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and spread over the surface.
5. Bake
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
🔥 Tips for perfect mac & cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese (melts better than pre-packaged)
- Don’t overcook pasta—it softens more in the oven
- Warm milk prevents lumps in the sauce
✨ Variations
- Add cooked chicken or minced beef for a hearty meal
- Mix in vegetables like broccoli or spinach
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick
🧡 Make it extra special
For a richer flavor, try combining cheeses like sharp cheddar, gouda, or even a little cream cheese.
If you want, I can give you a super creamy stovetop version, a quick 20-minute recipe, or a bakery-style ultra cheesy version with a cheese pull.
