Description
This creamy, cheesy, and comforting homemade mac and cheese is far better than anything from a box! Made with a blend of rich cheeses, a silky smooth sauce, and optional crispy topping, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you serve it stovetop or baked to golden perfection, this mac and cheese will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, shells, or penne)
- Water (for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (to prevent sticking)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (for a subtle smokiness)
Optional Crispy Topping (for Baked Version):
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (al dente texture).
- Drain but do not rinse (keeps the starch for better sauce adhesion).
- Toss with 1 tablespoon butter to prevent sticking.
💡 Pro Tip: If baking later, slightly undercook pasta so it doesn’t turn mushy.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in ¼ cup flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until light golden.
- Slowly pour in 2 cups milk and 1 cup heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheeses gradually, in small handfuls:
- 2 cups cheddar
- 1 cup Gruyère
- ½ cup mozzarella
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- Stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
💡 Pro Tip: Adding cheese over high heat can cause it to separate—keep heat low!
Step 3: Combine Pasta & Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until well coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm milk to loosen it.
👉 At this stage, your mac and cheese is ready for stovetop serving!
Want a crispy topping? Keep reading!
Step 4: Make the Crispy Topping (Optional)
- In a bowl, mix:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
- Let mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve warm.
💡 Serving Idea: Add crispy bacon bits, hot sauce, or grilled chicken for extra flavor!
Notes
✔ Best Cheese Combination: For the ultimate creamy mac and cheese, use a mix of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Avoid pre-shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
✔ Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble the mac and cheese without the breadcrumb topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the topping just before baking to keep it crispy.
✔ For Extra Creaminess: If you love an ultra-creamy mac and cheese, skip baking and serve it directly from the stovetop with an extra ½ cup of heavy cream stirred in.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the roux.
✔ Spicy Kick: Want to add some heat? Try mixing in diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use Pepper Jack cheese for a little spice.
✔ Best Pasta Shapes for Mac & Cheese: Elbow macaroni, cavatappi, shells, or penne work best as they hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully.
✔ How to Fix a Too-Thick Sauce: If the cheese sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of warm milk until you reach the perfect consistency.
💡 Serving Suggestion: This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with BBQ meats, roasted veggies, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (including baking time)
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 18g