BEST RECIPES for Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This homemade mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Made with simple ingredients, it’s versatile, budget-friendly, and loved by both kids and adults. Customize it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or proteins like chicken ham and turkey bacon for a satisfying meal that always disappears quickly.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or additional cheese (optional)
- ½ cup diced chicken ham (optional)
- ½ cup diced turkey bacon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking to remove lumps. Simmer until thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Stir in optional ingredients like chicken ham, turkey bacon, or extra cheeses if desired.
- For baked mac and cheese: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream when mixing pasta and sauce.
Customize with vegetables, different cheeses, or proteins as desired.