Homemade Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. butter
plus more for baking dish, 1 stick
- Kosher salt
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni
- 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
- 5 c. whole milk
- 1 tsp. mustard powder
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 12 oz. shredded cheddar
about 3 c.
- 8 oz. shredded Gruyère
about 2 c.
- 3 oz. finely grated Parmesan
divided, about 1 1/2 c.
- 1 c. panko bread crumbs
- 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a 13"x9" baking dish with butter. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain.
- 2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 stick butter. Sprinkle flour over and cook, stirring, until slightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in milk and whisk until combined. Add mustard powder; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until sauce starts to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Remove pan from heat and whisk in cheddar, Gruyère, and 1 cup Parmesan until melted and smooth. Stir in macaroni and transfer to prepared dish.
- 4
In a small bowl, combine panko, oil, and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle over macaroni; season with more pepper.
- 5
Bake mac and cheese until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.
Homemade Mac & Cheese
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 13 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food that's rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy? Our Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe delivers on all fronts, promising a classic dish that will become a new family favorite.
This recipe works because it masterfully achieves three essential requirements: an extra-creamy texture, an abundance of cheesy flavor, and a perfectly crunchy, golden topping. The thoughtful blend of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan creates a complex, savory depth that stands out from simpler versions.
What you'll love about this mac and cheese is the luxurious, velvety sauce that envelops every piece of elbow macaroni. It's decadently rich, with a pronounced cheesy goodness that comes from not one, but three distinct cheeses. The finishing touch of a golden, crispy panko bread crumb topping provides a delightful textural contrast, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. This is the kind of hearty, soul-satisfying dish that brings warmth to any meal.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe’s incredible flavor comes from a specific blend, you can easily adapt it. Experiment with other melty cheeses like Fontina or Monterey Jack if you're looking for a different flavor profile. You can also swap the elbow macaroni for other short, sturdy pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells. This dish is naturally vegetarian, making it a fantastic option for a meat-free meal.
Serve this Homemade Mac & Cheese as the star of a comforting dinner or as a standout side dish at your next gathering. It pairs beautifully with simple greens or a roasted protein, offering a satisfying and hearty experience.