Best Baked Mac and Cheese – Cheesy Homemade Classic
This baked mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and loaded with melty cheddar and mozzarella. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground mustard (optional)
- ¼ tsp paprika or garlic powder
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until thickened.
- Add seasonings, then stir in cheeses off heat until melted.
- Combine cheese sauce with pasta and pour into baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumb mixture and extra cheese if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melt.
- Add proteins or veggies to customize.
- Can be prepped ahead and baked later.