Homestyle Mac & Cheese Recipe

This homestyle mac & cheese is creamy, cheesy, and a little crispy on top, making it the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or holiday dinners, this easy-to-follow recipe is a family favorite. Made with a blend of cheeses for richness and depth of flavor, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. This classic mac & cheese brings comfort in every bite, with a velvety sauce that clings to every noodle and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love Homestyle Mac & Cheese Recipe

Our homestyle mac & cheese recipe brings you the ideal balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch from a homemade breadcrumb topping. Unlike boxed versions, this mac & cheese is full of real, rich flavors from freshly grated cheeses and is endlessly customizable. You can add veggies, sprinkle in some bacon, or switch up the cheeses to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish offers warmth, comfort, and the kind of flavor that brings everyone back for seconds.

Health Benefits

Homestyle mac & cheese offers comfort but also provides nutritional value, especially when made with quality ingredients. The cheese in this recipe is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for muscle health and bone strength. By choosing whole milk, you add healthy fats that support brain function and help keep you full. Using a variety of cheeses not only adds flavor but also provides a range of nutrients like vitamins A and B12, which benefit eye health and energy levels. If you add veggies like broccoli or spinach, you get added fiber and vitamins to boost immunity and digestion.

Ingredients

• Macaroni noodles – 2 cups (uncooked)
• Butter – 4 tablespoons, divided
• All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
• Whole milk – 2 cups (or substitute with 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream for extra creaminess)
• Shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
• Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Ground mustard (optional) – ¼ teaspoon
• Garlic powder (optional) – ¼ teaspoon
• Breadcrumbs – ½ cup (for topping)
• Parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni: In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add macaroni noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
3. Add the milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir as it thickens. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook until it reaches a creamy, thick consistency, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add seasonings and cheese: Season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and garlic powder if using. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, until melted and smooth.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all noodles are coated in the creamy mixture.
6. Prepare the topping: Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a small pan and add breadcrumbs, stirring until they’re lightly toasted and golden brown.
7. Bake: Pour the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Recipe Details

• Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Easy

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Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 18g

Homestyle Mac & Cheese Recipe

Course: Main DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Easy homemade mac & cheese casserole in a baking dish

Ingredients

• Macaroni noodles – 2 cups (uncooked)

• Butter – 4 tablespoons, divided

• All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons

• Whole milk – 2 cups (or substitute with 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream for extra creaminess)

• Shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups

• Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup

• Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup

• Salt – ½ teaspoon

• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon

• Ground mustard (optional) – ¼ teaspoon

• Garlic powder (optional) – ¼ teaspoon

• Breadcrumbs – ½ cup (for topping)

• Parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Cook the macaroni: In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add macaroni noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
• Add the milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir as it thickens. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook until it reaches a creamy, thick consistency, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add seasonings and cheese: Season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and garlic powder if using. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, until melted and smooth.
• Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all noodles are coated in the creamy mixture.
• Prepare the topping: Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a small pan and add breadcrumbs, stirring until they’re lightly toasted and golden brown.
• Bake: Pour the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
• Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

• Grate your cheese fresh; pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers for a twist on the topping
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

FAQs

1. Can I make mac & cheese ahead of time? Yes! Prepare it as instructed but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

2. What cheese combinations work best? Sharp cheddar and mozzarella offer creaminess and flavor, but try adding Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for depth.

3. Can I freeze this mac & cheese? Absolutely. Once cooled, portion and store in airtight containers. When ready, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Cooking Tips : Homestyle Mac & Cheese Recipe

1. Use freshly grated cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, enhancing the creamy texture of the sauce.
2. Undercook your pasta: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, cook it until just al dente to avoid mushy noodles.
3. Customize your flavors: Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor depth, or mix in cooked bacon or veggies for variation.
4. Layer the cheese: For even more cheesy goodness, add an extra layer of shredded cheese under the breadcrumbs before baking.
5. Try different breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier topping if you’re looking for added texture.

Conclusion

Homestyle mac & cheese is a timeless classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it as a side at a holiday gathering, this mac & cheese offers the creamy richness and comforting flavors everyone loves. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal, or enjoy it on its own as the ultimate comfort food.

Homestyle Mac & Cheese Recipe