Creamy, cheesy, and pure comfort — macaroni and cheese never disappoints. 🧀🍝 Here’s a rich, homemade baked version with a silky cheese sauce and golden top.

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream (optional but richer)
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar
1 cup shredded mozzarella (or Monterey Jack)
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder

Optional Crunchy Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente.
Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (don’t brown).
Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream.
Simmer until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

3️⃣ Add the Cheese

Lower heat.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Stir until smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Combine

Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce.
Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

5️⃣ Bake

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top (optional).
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6️⃣ Rest & Serve

Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture.

🔥 Pro Tips

Shred your own cheese — pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Add a pinch of mustard powder for deeper flavor.
For extra creamy stovetop mac & cheese, skip baking and serve right after mixing.

Flavor Upgrades

🥓 Bacon mac & cheese
🌶 Jalapeño spicy version
🦞 Lobster mac (luxury style)
🧄 Garlic Parmesan twist

If you’d like, I can give you a super creamy Southern baked version or a quick 20-minute stovetop version next.

Macaroni and cheese