Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow pasta (macaroni – use the best quality for the best texture); ½ cup butter; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)); 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly grated); 1 cup mild cheddar cheese (freshly grated); 1 cup gruyère cheese (freshly grated); ½ cup Parmigiano cheese (grated); ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs; 3 tablespoons butter (melted); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

By Elena Davis

Published Nov 20, 2025

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Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crunch, this baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food my family asks for again and again. It only takes 30 minutes to make. One bite and you’ll see why it’s so popular!

Try my easy cheese sauce for pasta next time. Serve with my simple pear salad.

creamy baked mac and cheese in a pan with a serving spoon.

Quick Look at This Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Dietary Info: Vegetarian (no meat)
Method: Baked casserole dish
Technique: Creamy roux-based cheese sauce, finished in the oven
Flavor & Texture: Ultra-creamy, cheesy, with a golden, crunchy topping

Why you’ll love this family favorite!

This isn’t just mac and cheese, it’s comfort in every bite and known as the ‘best mac’ in our house. The creamy sauce is layered with four cheeses for the perfect balance of gooey, nutty, and sharp flavors, while the golden breadcrumb topping adds just the right crunch. This is one of those new recipes you will treasure for years to come.

It’s the dish my family requests again and again, whether for Sunday dinner or holiday gatherings, because it feels both cozy and special at the same time. Serve with Thanksgiving turkey and Tuscan Roasted Broccoli for a superb meal.

Made With Amore,

Quick Look at This Recipe
Why you’ll love this family favorite!
Ingredients For Homemade Mac and Cheese
Substitutions and Variations
How To Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
FAQ’s
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
What to Serve With Macaroni and Cheese
Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients For Homemade Mac and Cheese

Recipe ingredients for creamy baked mac and cheese recipe.

Elbow macaroni – classic shape for holding creamy sauce.
Butter, flour, garlic, and milk – the base for a rich, smooth sauce.
Mozzarella, cheddar, gruyère, Parmigiano – a perfect mix of gooey, sharp, nutty, and salty cheeses.
Salt, pepper, and a splash of pasta water – to season and keep the sauce silky.
Panko breadcrumbs, butter, paprika – for a golden, crunchy finish.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

Cheese swaps – Try Fontina for creaminess, Gouda, Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack cheese, colby jack, cream cheese, or sharp cheddar for extra bite.
Add-ins – Crisp pancetta or bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted broccoli make it heartier. You’ll love my cheese and broccoli pasta bake.
Breadcrumb twist – Use crushed Ritz crackers, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, or even potato chips as an alternative to panko for the topping. Add my homemade Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper.
Lighter version – Swap half-and-half or 2% milk for whole milk; the sauce won’t be as rich but will still be creamy.
Gluten-free – Use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 GF flour blend for the roux.

How To Make Baked Mac and Cheese

This is a step-by-step photo overview of this creamy cheese sauce with pasta; the full instrcutions are in the recipe card below.

flour, melted butter and garlic in a pan for the homemade mac and cheese recipe.

Step #1: In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

pouring milk in the pan with roux for the homemade mac and cheese

Step #2: Slowly whisk in the whole milk until smooth and slightly thickened, and simmer for about 5 minutes. No lumps.

add all the cheese to the pan with sauce for the homemade mac and cheese

Step #3: Lower the heat and stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmigiano until they are melted and creamy—season generously with salt and black pepper.

spoon holding up some of the cheesy sauce forthe homemade mac and cheese.

Step #4: Add a splash of reserved pasta (the secret ingredient) to emulsify the sauce in the best way.

cooked pasta in the pan for the homemade mac and cheese.

Step #5:

homemade mac and cheese in pot with super cheesy sauce.

Step #6: Combine pasta and sauce. Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until it is fully coated.

sprinkle the crunchy topping on the homemade mac and cheese.

Step #7: Prepare the topping (optional but delicious): In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Assemble and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the pasta. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Step #8: Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

My Pro Tips

Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese

Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate from the block for the creamiest sauce.
Cook pasta al dente – It will soften more while baking, so slightly undercooking ensures it doesn’t get mushy.
Do not overbake! This will keep the sauce nice and creamy.
Golden topping – Broil for the last 1–2 minutes if you want an extra-crispy breadcrumb crust.
Make-ahead – Assemble up to a day in advance, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

FAQ’s

What Kind Of cheese works best for baked mac and cheese?

A blend is best! Mozzarella adds stretch, cheddar gives sharp flavor, gruyère brings nutty richness, and Parmigiano finishes with salty depth. Always grate cheese from the block for the smoothest melt.

How do I keep baked mac and cheese creamy?

Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t absorb too much sauce, and don’t skip the pasta water—it keeps the sauce silky as it bakes. Cover with foil for the first half of baking if you want extra creaminess.

What’s the best pasta shape for mac and cheese?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, cavatappi, or penne also work beautifully since they hold onto the cheese sauce.

How Long Do You Bake mac and cheese?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly golden. I don’t like to bake for too long, or it can become dry. If you prefer an extra-crispy topping, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make Ahead: Assemble the mac and cheese up to 1 day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve (add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if cold from the fridge).
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked (and cooled) mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). For individual portions, microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.