Homemade Mac and Cheese

Okay, so let me tell you—this homemade mac and cheese is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s warm, creamy, and super cheesy. When I make it, the whole kitchen smells amazing.

I used to think boxed mac was the best. But then I tried making it from scratch… and wow. It’s actually really easy and way better.

The cheese melts just right. The noodles are soft. And that golden top? Oh, so good.

Wanna try it too? I’ll walk you through how I make it. Let’s make some cheesy magic together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No complicated steps or fancy cheeses—just straightforward goodness that’s hard to resist.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of sharp cheddar and salty parmesan creates a sauce that clings to every bite.
• Golden Breadcrumb Topping: A crisp, buttery crust adds the perfect contrast to the creamy base.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake now and reheat later, or prep the components for quick assembly on busy nights.
• Kid-Approved: Gentle flavors and smooth textures make this an easy win with little eaters.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:
This recipe makes about 6 generous servings as a main course or 8 smaller side servings.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly, especially if you’ve made a white sauce before. No need for advanced cooking skills—just patience and stirring.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this recipe smoothly from start to finish, you’ll need:

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Medium Saucepan: To prepare the cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Helps make a smooth roux and prevents lumps in the sauce.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredients.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: To assemble and bake the mac and cheese.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and combining ingredients.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the breadcrumb topping.
• Oven Mitts: Essential for safe handling of the hot baking dish.

Ingredients for Homemade Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese is built on everyday ingredients that work together to create a dish that’s warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying.

Pasta:

• Elbow Macaroni Pasta: Classic shape that holds onto the cheese sauce.
• Olive Oil: A splash to keep the pasta from sticking after cooking.
• Onion: Diced finely for a subtle base flavor in the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the milk into a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Skim Milk: Light but creamy—feel free to swap in whole milk for a richer texture.
• Minced Garlic: Adds gentle depth without overpowering.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts well and gives that signature mac and cheese flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty, and deeply savory.
• Pepper: Just a pinch to balance the richness.

Breadcrumb Topping:

• Breadcrumbs: For crunch and contrast.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor to the topping.
• Dried Basil: Brings a soft, herbal note.
• Dried Parsley: For color and a fresh, subtle taste.
• Dried Oregano: A warm, earthy background flavor.
• Melted Butter: Helps toast the topping to golden perfection.

How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese Step-by-Step Instructions

Each step in this process builds flavor and texture, so take your time and follow along carefully.

1. Boil the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente—about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta, then toss it gently with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside.

Tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta helps it hold its shape during baking and soak up more flavor from the sauce.

2. Cook the Aromatics

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.

3. Make the Roux

1. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes. It will look pasty at first.
2. This step cooks out the raw taste of the flour, so be patient and keep stirring.

4. Build the Cheese Sauce

1. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Start with 1 cup, and if needed, add the extra ½ cup later to adjust the thickness.
2. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to bubble and thicken—about 4–5 minutes.
3. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan.
4. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Add pepper to taste.

Note: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, whisk in a bit more milk.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce.
2. Stir well until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy mixture.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Make the Breadcrumb Topping

The topping adds texture and a golden finish to the creamy base. It’s simple but makes a big difference.

How to Make It:

1. In a small bowl, combine:
   • ½ cup breadcrumbs
   • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
   • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
   • ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
   • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
2. Pour in 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
3. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly damp. Set aside.

Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.

Bake Time:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Optional Broil:
For an extra-crisp topping, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

How to Serve Homemade Mac and Cheese

This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course, but it also shines as a side.

Pairing Ideas:

• With Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or meatloaf.
• With Veggies: Pair with sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad.
• As a Side Dish: Ideal for potlucks, holiday dinners, or weeknight meals.

Storing Homemade Mac and Cheese

In the Fridge:
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

In the Freezer:
Not recommended with the breadcrumb topping, as it can become soggy. If freezing, do so before baking and skip the topping. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Add breadcrumbs just before baking.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be coated with anti-caking agents, which may affect the sauce texture. For the smoothest melt, grate cheese fresh from the block.
• Control the Heat: Keep the sauce on medium or low heat when adding cheese. High heat can cause separation and make the sauce grainy.
• Use Whole Milk (Optional): If you prefer a richer sauce, swap skim milk for whole milk or even add a splash of heavy cream.
• Stir Frequently: Especially when making the roux and sauce, constant stirring prevents lumps and burning.
• Bake Right Away: Don’t let the assembled mac and cheese sit too long before baking, or the pasta may soak up too much sauce and become dry.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving (1/6 of recipe)
Calories	~410
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	450mg
Total Carbohydrates	42g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	5g
Protein	16g
Calcium	25% DV

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Homemade Mac and Cheese FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can all be used. Choose cheeses that melt well and suit your taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be. Just swap in gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

Can I skip the baking step?
Yes. If you prefer a stovetop mac and cheese, skip the breadcrumb topping and serve right after combining the pasta with the cheese sauce.

How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
Add a splash of milk before microwaving or reheating on the stove to loosen the sauce and bring back its original texture.

Conclusion

Homemade Mac and Cheese doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and careful steps, you can create a warm, creamy, crowd-pleasing dish that fits weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or cozy weekends at home. It’s comfort food done right—cheesy, rich, and made with care.