Classic Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Classic Creamy Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, bubbling dish of homemade macaroni and cheese fresh from the oven. This classic American comfort food transforms simple pasta and cheese into a creamy, satisfying casserole that both kids and adults adore. Our easy baked macaroni recipe delivers that perfect combination of creamy interior and crispy top that makes this dish a perennial family favorite.

Why This Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Works

This tried and tested recipe has earned its impressive 4.4-star rating from over 600 reviews for good reason:

• Perfect texture balance – Creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta and that irresistible golden crust
• Simple ingredients – No fancy cheese blends required (though you can certainly upgrade if desired!)
• Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser that satisfies picky eaters and comfort food lovers alike
• Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepared in advance and baked when needed

Ingredients for the Ultimate Baked Macaroni

• 1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for topping)

How to Make Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in milk. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese on top. For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
8. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until bubbly and lightly browned on top, about 25-30 minutes.
9. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Aim for al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven
• Cheese varieties – While sharp cheddar is classic, try mixing in some gruyère, fontina, or monterey jack for more complex flavor
• Make a roux properly – Cook the butter-flour mixture until it smells slightly nutty for the best flavor base
• Add mix-ins – Consider adding cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or herbs to customize your macaroni
• Make ahead – Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, refrigerate, then bake when ready (may need extra 10-15 minutes if cold)

Nutrition Information

472 calories per serving |
46g carbohydrates |
22g protein |
22g fat |
14g saturated fat |
66mg cholesterol |
356mg sodium |
2g fiber

Variations on Classic Baked Macaroni

The beauty of macaroni and cheese is how easily it can be customized:

• Buffalo Chicken Mac – Add shredded chicken tossed with buffalo sauce
• Broccoli Cheddar Mac – Fold in steamed broccoli florets
• Lobster Mac and Cheese – Add chunks of cooked lobster for a luxurious upgrade
• Tex-Mex Mac – Incorporate jalapeños, corn, black beans, and taco seasoning
• Truffle Mac – Add a drizzle of truffle oil and wild mushrooms

Serving Suggestions

Complete your comfort food meal with these perfect side pairings:

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or brussels sprouts
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Grilled or roasted chicken
• Meatloaf

Storage and Reheating Tips

This baked macaroni reheats beautifully:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Add a splash of milk before reheating in the microwave or oven to restore creaminess

Whether you’re serving this classic baked macaroni and cheese for a weeknight family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe delivers that nostalgic comfort food experience everyone craves. The combination of tender pasta and rich, cheesy sauce makes this homemade macaroni dish irresistible!

Recipe inspired by Allrecipes