Baked Mac ‘N Cheese | Easy Homemade Comfort Food
This Easy Homemade Baked Mac ‘N Cheese is the ultimate comfort food recipe! A real crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone wanting seconds.
Easy Homemade Baked Mac ‘N Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic, feel-good meal that everyone loves. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, it’s a go-to favourite for both kids and adults alike. If you’ve ever wanted to take your mac ‘n cheese game to the next level, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make a crowd-pleasing and super easy homemade baked mac ‘n cheese that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Cheese Sauce
Here’s the ultimate cheese sauce! If you’re in the mood for quick KD-style macaroni, just skip the baking, fully cook the pasta (no need for al-dente), and forget about the breadcrumb topping. It’s a cozy 10-minute meal that’s bound to impress.
Ingredients for Baked Mac ‘N Cheese
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious baked mac ‘n cheese:
For the Mac ‘N Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cup milk (2%)
- 1/2 cup cream (half & half or whipping)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (any kind, my favourite is mostly cheddar and 1/4 cup pamesan)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For The Topping:
- 1.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese
Mac ‘N Cheese Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease a 9″ baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
In a pot of boiling water, cook the macaroni until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir to evenly coat the macaroni.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Begin by melting butter in a pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk until it becomes smooth.
Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to ensure a well-blended mixture. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Be sure to whisk frequently during this process.
Slowly incorporate the shredded cheese, stirring until it’s fully combined. Season with garlic, salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 4: Mix Pasta With Sauce
Now add pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until combined. Pour into greased baking dish.
Step 5: Prepare Topping
Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix them together, and then spread a thin layer over the macaroni.
Step 6: Bake Mac ‘N Cheese
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the breadcrumb topping turns crispy. Depending on the level of fullness in your baking dish, consider placing it on top of a baking tray to catch any cheese sauce that might drip out during the baking process.
Easy Homemade Sourdough Breadcrumbs Tip
Here’s a super easy way to make homemade breadcrumbs! Collect the ends of your sourdough bread loaves in a Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer. When the bag is full, thaw the ends, throw them into a blender and blend into crumbs. Then bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, until they become crispy. Preserve these breadcrumbs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or you can store them even longer in the freezer.
Easy Homemade Baked Mac ‘N Cheese
Ingredients
For the Mac ‘N Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cup milk 2%
- 1/2 cup cream half & half or whipping
- 3 cups shredded cheese any kind, my favourite is mostly cheddar and 1/4 cup pamesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For The Topping:
- 1.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease a 9″ baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
- In a pot of boiling water, cook the macaroni until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir to evenly coat the macaroni.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- Begin by melting butter in a pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk until it becomes smooth.
- Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to ensure a well-blended mixture. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Be sure to whisk frequently during this process.
- Slowly incorporate the shredded cheese, stirring until it's fully combined. Season with garlic, salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 4: Mix Pasta With Sauce
- Now add pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until combined. Pour into greased baking dish.
Step 5: Prepare Topping
- Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix them together, and then spread a thin layer over the macaroni.
Step 6: Bake Mac ‘N Cheese
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the breadcrumb topping turns crispy. Depending on the level of fullness in your baking dish, consider placing it on top of a baking tray to catch any cheese sauce that might drip out during the baking process.
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If you try this recipe out, I’d love to see it! Tag me on instagram @gwenthemilkmaid.
