The Best Homemade Mac and Cheese – Rich, Gooey, and Flavorful

Baked homemade mac and cheese in a casserole dish with a golden, bubbly cheese crust.

Introducing the Creamy Comfort of Homemade Mac and Cheese

There's nothing quite like the feeling of diving into a cozy bowl of creamy homemade mac and cheese. This cheesy delight is the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth and satisfaction that brings families together.

Texture and Flavor: Gooey Goodness Awaits

With each bite, you'll experience a wonderful blend of gooey, buttery textures, bursting with the rich flavors of melty cheese. Whether you prefer the classic stovetop version or a baked mac and cheese, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Recipe Essentials

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Serving Size: 1 cup

Ingredients

Pasta:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk until combined.
Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture, cooking until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
Combine the cheese sauce with the pasta, mixing well.
Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumb topping, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Tips for Success

Use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for depth.
For an ultra-creamy sauce, avoid overcooking the flour mixture.
To prevent graininess, ensure cheese is at room temperature before adding.

Delicious Variations

Add crispy bacon bits for a savory twist.
Top with extra breadcrumbs and herbs for a crunchy finish.
For stovetop comfort, skip baking and stir in all ingredients directly.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy mac and cheese goes beautifully with a fresh side salad or grilled chicken. Serve as a hearty side dish or main course for ultimate satisfaction.

Conclusion

Delight in the creamy richness of this homemade mac and cheese recipe. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this cheesy pasta dish is bound to become a stand-out favorite. Don’t forget to save, share, or leave a comment below with your thoughts and variations!

Looking for another cheesy dish? Try my Lasagna.

See more cheesy dinner ideas on Delish – Best Mac and Cheese Recipes

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Courses: Dinner, Holiday, One-Pan Meals, Quick and Easy, Side Dish

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 350 F

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holidays

Description

This Homemade Mac and Cheese is creamy, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy — the ultimate comfort food done right. Elbow macaroni is coated in a silky, rich cheese sauce made from butter, milk, and a blend of melty cheeses, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. Every bite is smooth, flavorful, and completely satisfying — a family-favorite classic that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

• Pasta:
2 cups ◦ elbow macaroni
• Cheese Sauce:
1 cup ◦ sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
4 oz ◦ of Gruyère cheee (freshly shredded)
4 oz ◦ of mozzarella (freshly shredded)
1 cup ◦ milk
3 tablespoons ◦ butter
2 tablespoons ◦ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ◦ garlic powder
◦ Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon ◦ garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ◦ of onion powder
1 teaspoon ◦ of dry mustard
• Topping:
1/2 cup ◦ shredded Colby jack cheese
1 tablespoon ◦ melted butter

Instructions

1
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk until combined.
3
Add garlic powder, dry mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture, cooking until thickened.
4
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
5
Combine the cheese sauce with the pasta, mixing well.
6
Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese topping , and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Note