Homemade Mac and Cheese
Comfort food satisfies quite like homemade mac and cheese. There are countless variations, but after years and years of recipes testing, I’ve come to the conclusion that baked is best.
This gooey and cozy casserole is an essential part of traditional holiday spreads and summertime potluck buffets, but it’s also perfect for curling up with on the couch.
Don’t get me wrong — there’s always an emergency box of mac and cheese in my pantry. But if you’ve been relying on the store for all of your creamy, cheesy, noodle needs, it’s time to give homemade mac and cheese a try.
Here’s how to make the very best cheesy baked homemade mac and cheese.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s extra cheesy. Beyond the delicious homemade cheese sauce, there’s an extra layer of shredded cheese baked right into the casserole.
- It’s creamier than other homemade recipes. The secret? Medium cheddar. (Yes, really!)
- It always gets rave reviews. Homemade mac and cheese is classic comfort food, and this recipe is so good it’s the first dish to disappear at every gathering.
Key Ingredients in Homemade Mac and Cheese
- Elbow macaroni: Pick up a one-pound box of dried elbow macaroni noodles for this homemade mac and cheese recipe.
- Butter and flour: Cheese sauces start with a roux, which is just unsalted butter and all-purpose flour cooked together to thicken the sauce. Cooking the butter and flour together first prevents lumps, builds flavor, and activates the flour’s thickening power.
- Milk: Use whole milk, half-and-half, or a combination of the two for a creamy cheese sauce. Low-fat milk won’t give you the rich flavor and texture you’re looking for.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for homemade mac and cheese, although melting cheeses like Gruyere or Fontina can be substituted for a portion of the cheese. Many recipes call for sharp or extra-sharp cheddar, but medium cheddar cheese has more moisture than other cheddars, so it melts more easily and has a creamier texture.
- Paprika: Sprinkle paprika over the top of the mac and cheese for a bit of color.
How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese
- Cook the macaroni. Boil the macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente because they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Make the cheese sauce. Cook flour in melted butter until golden, whisk in milk or half-and-half, bring the sauce to a boil, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in shredded cheese.
- Layer with more cheese. Pour half of the mac and cheese into a baking dish, add a layer of shredded cheese, top with the remaining mac and cheese, and finish with even more cheese.
- Bake the mac and cheese. Bake just until bubbling around the edges and the cheese melts and turns golden-brown in spots.
How Long to Bake Homemade Mac and Cheese?
Bake homemade mac and cheese in the oven for just 10 minutes or until the cheese on top melts and the edges begin to bubble. If you have prepped the mac and cheese in advance and refrigerated it, bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through.