The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe You’ll Ever Make 🧀

Polia

2 months ago

Tired of grainy, bland, or just okay mac and cheese? You’ve landed on the recipe that will ruin all other versions for you. This isn’t just another side dish; this is the ultimate Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese—a rich, decadent, and show-stopping centerpiece that promises an ultra-creamy interior and a savory, crunchy Panko topping.

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What makes it the best? We’re ditching the pre-shredded bags and building a luxurious sauce from the ground up with a perfect roux and a powerful three-cheese blend. Get ready to earn rave reviews and have everyone asking for this recipe.

🤔 Why This Is Truly The BEST Mac and Cheese Recipe

Before we dive in, let’s talk about what sets this recipe apart from the rest:

The Triple-Cheese Threat: We use a sophisticated blend of Sharp Cheddar for tang, Gruyère for nutty depth, and Parmesan for a salty, umami kick. This combination creates a complex flavor profile that’s miles ahead of single-cheese versions.
The Ultra-Creamy Sauce Foundation: Forget gloppy sauces! We start with a classic French roux (equal parts butter and flour), which is the secret to a silky-smooth sauce that won’t break or separate.
The Irresistible Crunch: The finishing touch is a golden-brown, buttery Panko-Parmesan topping that provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.
The Pro-Tech Tip: Cooking the pasta “shy of al dente” ensures it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy, giving you a perfect bite every time.

🛠️ Your Secret Weapon: Effortless Cheese Shredding

This recipe calls for a lot of cheese. Shredding it all by hand can be a chore, but with a KitchenAid Stand Mixer and the Fresh Prep Slice/Shredder Attachment, it becomes a 60-second task.

Using the shredder cone, you can process blocks of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan into perfectly uniform shreds in no time. This isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a game-changer for quality. Freshly shredded cheese melts infinitely better than pre-shredded, which is coated in anti-caking agents like potato starch. For the creamiest, smoothest sauce, this step is non-negotiable.

👩‍🍳 How to Make The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Follow these steps carefully for flawless results.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5 cups whole milk, warmed
2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color & flavor)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
4 cups freshly shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1 lb block)
2 cups freshly shredded Gruyère cheese (about 8 oz block)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

For the Panko Topping:

1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese (from above)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes LESS than the package directions for al dente. The pasta should still be a bit firm in the center. It will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Roux & Sauce

This is the most critical step for a creamy sauce!

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and fragrant. Do not let it brown! This is your roux.
Slowly pour in the warmed milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-8 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce

Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is incredibly smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Transfer

Add the drained, undercooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is beautifully coated.
Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping & Bake

In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan, and parsley until combined.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly for perfect scooping.

💡 Chef’s Notes: Tips for the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Cheese Substitutions: Can’t find Gruyère? Jarlsberg, Emmental, or even a good Fontina are excellent substitutes. For a sharper kick, try swapping in some Pecorino Romano for the Parmesan.
Pasta Shape: While elbows are classic, cavatappi, shells, or rigatoni are fantastic for holding onto the creamy sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions: Assemble the mac and cheese (without the topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before adding the topping and baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
Freezing Instructions: After assembling (without topping), cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).

🍽️ Full Recipe Card