Description
This rich and creamy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Made with tender elbow pasta and a smooth, cheesy sauce baked until golden and bubbling, it’s the perfect easy dinner, cozy side dish, or quick lunch. Loaded with freshly shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and a crisp topping of buttery panko breadcrumbs, this easy recipe is a go-to for weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, a kid-friendly favorite, or a crave-worthy meal, this dish checks all the boxes for creamy, cheesy satisfaction.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
3. Slowly add the warm milk and cream, whisking constantly. Stir in mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Once the sauce thickens, reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the mac and cheese mixture.
7. Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle on top. Add more cheese on top if desired.
8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Optional: broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crisp top.
9. Remove from oven and let sit 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or chives before serving.
Notes
For the best melt, always use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded.
Slightly undercook the pasta to keep it from going mushy after baking.
Mix and match cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella to vary flavor and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 640
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 23
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 21
- Cholesterol: 105