Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese: A Crowd-Pleasing Dish

If there’s one dish that always brings comfort and joy, it’s a classic baked homemade macaroni and cheese. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, attending a potluck, or craving cheesy indulgence, this recipe delivers. It’s creamy, flavorful, and topped with the perfect golden crust. In this post, you’ll learn how to create this irresistible dis step by step and pick up tips to customize it to your taste. Let’s dive into the cheesy goodness!

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples or easy to find at the local store.
2. Customizable: Add your favorite cheeses, seasonings, or even proteins.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: It works for everyday meals or special gatherings.
4. Crispy Topping: The buttery cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients for Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need for the best baked macaroni and cheese:

• 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 sleeve buttery round crackers, crushed

Step-by-Step Direction

1. Prepare the Oven and Pasta
   • Preheat your oven to 350F (175C)
   • Cook the elbow macaroni in a pot of boiling salted water. Stir occasionally and cook until al dente (around 8 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Create the Cheesy Sauce
   • Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, milk, and salt until smooth,
   • Cook the mixture for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Add the shredded Cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely.
3. Assemble the Dish
   • Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
   • Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. You can find a quality 9×13 baking dish here.
4. Make the topping
   • Mix the melted butter and crushed crackers in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
5. Bake to perfection
   • Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.

Pro Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese

• Experiment with Cheeses: Combine Cheddar with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for extra flavor.
• Try Different Pasta Shapes: Cavatappi, shells, or penne also work well.
• Add Extra Flavor: Sprinkle in paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
• Include Proteins or Veggies: Add bacon, chicken, or roasted broccoli for a complete meal.

Why Make Macaroni and Cheese at Home?

Homemade macaroni and cheese is far superior to store-bought varieties. You control the ingredients, ensuring high-quality cheese and fresh flavors. Plus, this recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners. It’s a great way to enjoy a timeless comfort food made with love.

Serving Suggestions

This baked macaroni and cheese pairs beautifully with:

• A fresh green salad
• Roasted Vegetables
• Garlic Bread
• Grilled or roasted meats

For special occasions, serve it as a side dish with turkey, ham, or roast beef.

FAQ About Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

1. Can I Make it Ahead of Time?
   • YES! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   • Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 for the best results
3. Can I Freeze It?
   • Absolutely! after baking, let the dish cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

A Comforting Meal to Remember

This baked homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is destined to become a family favorite. It’s everything you want in comfort food-rich, cheesy and baked to perfection. Try it out and share your results in the comments below. Did you add a twist? Let me know!

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Baked Homemade Macaroni and Chees

This baked homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Equipment

• 1 9×13 Baking Dish

Ingredients  

• 2 ½ cups elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 lb cheddar cheese shredded
• ¼ cup butter melted
• 1 sleeve buttery round crackers crushed

Instructions 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook the macaroni in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
• Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, milk, and salt. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Add the shredded Cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until fully melted.
• Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup melted butter with the crushed crackers. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni.
• Bake for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
• Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.
• Include proteins like bacon or chicken or mix in vegetables like broccoli for variety.

Keyword Baked, Homemade, MacandCheese