Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Easy Recipes

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Easy Mac and Cheese
• Comfort Food Perfection with Simple Ingredients
• The Secret to Rich, Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
• Tips for the Ultimate Family Favorite
• Easy Recipes Everyone Can Master
• Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

Key Takeaways

This easy recipes classic is a rich, creamy baked mac and cheese that brings comfort food to your table in less than an hour. It’s simple, versatile, and sure to please everyone in your family.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mac and Cheese

If you love easy recipes that deliver big on flavor, this baked mac and cheese will quickly become your go-to dinner. With a buttery breadcrumb topping and a velvety cheese sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings.

Comfort Food Perfection with Simple Ingredients

Made with pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients, this easy recipes favorite requires minimal prep. You don’t need fancy tools—just a baking dish and a little bit of love.

The Secret to Rich, Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

The combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere melts into the creamiest sauce. Using whole milk and cream keeps everything luscious and smooth, ensuring every bite is pure comfort food heaven.

Tips for the Ultimate Family Favorite

To make this easy recipes dish even more irresistible, toast your breadcrumbs until golden and don’t skip the resting time after baking. This allows the sauce to set perfectly.

Easy Recipes Everyone Can Master

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe from Betty on Betty Cooks is simple enough for anyone. It uses basic steps and clear instructions to guide you from start to finish.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

Pair this mac and cheese with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite protein for a complete meal. It’s also a hit on any holiday table or potluck spread.

Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Easy Recipes

This rich and creamy baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keywords: comfort food recipes, creamy cheese recipes, dinner recipes, easy recipes, kid-friendly recipes, quick and easy recipes, recipes for dinner

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Betty

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups cheddar and 1 1/2 cups Gruyere until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to combine. Pour into prepared baking dish.
7. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, smoked paprika, and remaining cheese.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over pasta.
9. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to swap Gruyere with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.