Description
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Homemade Macaroni and Cheese—a creamy, golden, and cheese-loaded classic that’s sure to steal the spotlight at any meal. With three cheeses melted into a silky béchamel sauce and baked to bubbly perfection, this easy dinner is perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or when you’re craving rich, cheesy food ideas. It’s a go-to in any collection of quick breakfast fixes, easy recipe lists, or dinner ideas that feel indulgent yet homemade.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
1 cup Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
1 tablespoon butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni just until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes.
3. Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, around 5 minutes.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Reduce heat.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large bowl or directly in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, if using. Sprinkle over the top along with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispier top. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Always use freshly shredded cheese to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth melt.
Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes after baking to set the sauce and get cleaner servings.
Add-ins like cooked bacon, jalapeños, or caramelized onions take it to another level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, cheesy pasta, baked mac and cheese, food ideas