Name: Quick and Easy Mac and Cheese Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Fix
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 2 cups heavy cream; 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 tablespoon salt; 1/2 tablespoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping); 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)

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Let’s talk about mac and cheese—the kind that hugs you back after a long day. This isn’t the boxed kind we all grew up on (though, bless its heart). This is real-deal, bubbly, creamy, homemade mac cheese goodness. The kind that makes your kitchen smell like a warm memory. If you’ve been wondering how to make creamy mac and cheese without needing a culinary degree, I’ve got you. This recipe is everything I love in a comfort food—rich, simple, no weird ingredients, and easy enough for a weeknight. Think: easy dinner recipes mac and cheese meets cheesy potatoes easy recipe, with the gooey charm of amazing mac and cheese recipes that actually taste like they belong at the dinner table. It’s also ridiculously customizable. Add bacon. Stir in ground beef. Sprinkle some hot sauce. Whatever you do, you’ll still end up with a forkful of cheesy joy. This baked version creates those golden edges I secretly fight over (and yes, I win).

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
3) Ingredients for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
4) How to Make Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
5) Tips for Making Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
6) Making Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
8) Try these Comfort Food Recipes next!
9) Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick and easy mac and cheese recipes don’t get better than this creamy, golden baked version.
Simple ingredients like sharp cheddar and elbow macaroni make this dish a breeze.
Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or a comforting leftover lunch.
This dish plays well with add-ins like bacon, ground beef, or even roasted veggies.

2) Easy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

There’s something about a bubbling tray of baked mac and cheese that makes the whole house feel warmer. I don’t need a special occasion—just an excuse to grab a fork and carve out a corner of cheesy heaven.

This quick and easy mac and cheese recipe gets its richness from real cheese and its charm from that crispy golden crust. It’s the kind of recipe that’s generous with flavor but not demanding with time. From pantry to plate, you’re looking at comfort food that feels effortless.

If you’re tired of boxed stuff or want to impress your family with the easiest “homemade mac cheese” they’ve ever had, this is your moment. The textures, the creaminess, and that slight crunch on top hit just right every single time.

3) Ingredients for Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Elbow Macaroni: It’s the classic noodle for a reason—great surface area for holding onto that creamy sauce.

Butter: This adds richness and helps start the roux that builds the base of your cheese sauce.

All-Purpose Flour: You’ll whisk this with butter to make the roux, which thickens the sauce without lumps.

Whole Milk: The backbone of your sauce. It’s mild and creamy and gives body without making things too heavy.

Heavy Cream: For that next-level, indulgent touch. It deepens the texture without overpowering the cheese flavor.

Shredded Sharp Cheddar: Bold and cheesy—exactly what you want in every bite of amazing mac and cheese recipes.

Shredded Mozzarella: Melty and mild, it brings that irresistible cheese pull we all secretly live for.

Salt and Black Pepper: A good mac and cheese lives or dies by its seasoning. Don’t skip this step.

Garlic and Onion Powder: These give your cheese sauce a little extra depth without complicating things.

Panko Bread Crumbs: Totally optional, but if you want that crunchy, golden top—highly recommended.

Melted Butter (for topping): Helps those breadcrumbs toast up into crunchy perfection.

4) How to Make Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. It doesn’t need to be fancy—anything oven-safe works.

Step 2: Cook your macaroni just shy of al dente. Drain it, but don’t rinse. That starch helps the sauce cling later.

Step 3: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and keep stirring for 1 minute to cook out the raw flavor.

Step 4: Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking as you go. This part’s all about patience and smoothness.

Step 5: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella, a handful at a time. Keep stirring until everything’s melted and dreamy.

Step 6: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. Taste and adjust—this is where the flavor really starts to shine.

Step 7: Fold in your cooked macaroni and stir to coat every little elbow. Pour everything into your baking dish.

Step 8: If you’re using the breadcrumb topping, mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle it over the pasta.

Step 9: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a bubbling top and golden color. Let it cool slightly before serving.

5) Tips for Making Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Don’t overcook the noodles. Remember, they keep cooking in the oven, so you want them just firm enough to survive the bake.

Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts better and gives a smoother texture compared to pre-shredded blends which sometimes have anti-caking agents.

Want more protein? Toss in some cooked ground beef or even rotisserie chicken. It’ll turn this into a one-dish meal that checks all the boxes for ground beef and macaroni recipes easy dinners.

Like it spicy? A pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños can sneak in just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the dish.

6) Making Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time

This baked mac is great for prepping a day or two ahead. Just assemble it up to the point before baking and stash it in the fridge, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

If you’re using breadcrumbs, wait until just before baking to add them. Otherwise, they can get soggy in the fridge and lose that crunch.

When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge—just add 5 or 10 minutes to the cooking time. The sauce might need a quick stir after baking to bring it back together, but that’s normal.

7) Storing Leftover Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Leftovers are almost better the next day. Scoop them into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to four days.

Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. Microwaves work just fine for this, but you can also use the stovetop if you’re feeling extra patient.

If you’re freezing it, do so before baking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and bake as usual—easy comfort food that’s always ready when you need it most.

8) Try these Comfort Food Recipes next!

9) Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese