This baked macaroni and cheese recipe delivers pure homemade comfort in every creamy bite!
Tender macaroni is cooked in a rich, cheesy, and creamy sauce until bubbling. Topped with shredded cheddar that bakes to a golden brown, savory crust.
With this classic dish, it’s easy to make the best mac and cheese casserole.
![Creamy baked macaroni and cheese is a comfort classic that’s near and dear to families everywhere. Tender macaroni is baked in a creamy cheddar sauce with a cheesy topping that makes a savory golden brown crust. Serve this rich, cheesy casserole with green beans, peas, or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese on a fork](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-2-2-OurZestyLife-11.jpg)
Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- A favorite with kids everywhere, homemade macaroni and cheese never fails to satisfy fussy eaters.
- Make this recipe from simple, pantry staples for an easy dish, even compared to the boxed variety.
- Use bits and pieces of cheese left in the refrigerator for a budget-friendly version.
- Balance this rich main dish with a crisp red leaf or kale salad. Indulge in a little peach crisp for dessert too!
![Delight your family with a comforting baked macaroni and cheese casserole that's sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Mix cooked macaroni with a rich cheddar cheese sauce, then bake until it's bubbly and golden brown. Elevate both flavor and nutrition by incorporating broccoli and bacon or ham. Timeless homemade classics like this baked macaroni and cheese recipe are always a hit! #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy ingredients to make baked macaroni and cheese labeled: pasta, shredded cheese, milk, dry mustard powder, whole wheat flou, butter, salt and pepper](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IG-Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-OurZestyLife.jpg)
Easy Cheesy Ingredients
Cheese – Sharp or extra sharp cheddar melts perfectly and will provide the best flavor. Add or substitute other melty cheeses, like pepper jack, Colby, Gruyere, Gouda, or whatever you have. Hard cheeses like Parmesan or Romano are best grated and used for the topping.
Macaroni – Elbow macaroni is the standard for this dish. Shells can make it even more appropriate for small children with spoons. Keep in mind that a shape that will cup and hold the creamy sauce is best, although the sauce is thick enough to stick to any pasta!
Dry Mustard – Mustard provides a welcome bite to balance the cheesy richness. Swap in Dijon or any mustard you have on hand and adjust the amounts to taste.
Variations – Make a crunchy topping with buttered breadcrumbs like the one used in this stuffed mushrooms recipe. Boost the nutritional value by adding peas, mushrooms, dried tomatoes, pimento, spinach, cauliflower, or broccoli. Amp up the flavor with a bit of bacon or ham. Give mac and cheese a spicy kick with jalapenos and taco seasoning, or go full chili mac and add beans and ground beef. The options are endless!
![This baked macaroni and cheese recipe is a timeless homemade classic beloved by families everywhere! Combine cooked macaroni with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, then bake until it reaches a bubbly, golden perfection. Elevate the flavor and nutrition by adding broccoli and bacon or ham! #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy dish of Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a spoon](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-2-OurZestyLife-4.jpg)
How to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This simple recipe goes from stove top to oven in minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, mix flour with melted butter in a saucepan (per the recipe below).
- Whisk in milk a little at a time as the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and add remaining sauce ingredients.
- Combine cheese sauce with pasta, pour into the casserole dish, and top with cheese.
- Bake as directed.
Serve with a green salad drizzled with a tangy Italian or Caesar vinaigrette dressing.
![Baked macaroni and cheese is a cozy favorite loved by families everywhere. Tender macaroni is baked in a velvety cheddar sauce, and topped with cheese for a deliciously golden crust. Enjoy this rich and creamy casserole with green beans, peas, or a fresh green salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette. #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy taking a spoonful of Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese out of the dish](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-2-OurZestyLife-9.jpg)
How to Store Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave, or a foil-covered dish in the oven until the cheese is melted and heated.
- Add milk to loosen the sauce and return the dish to creamy deliciousness.
![Satisfy your carb cravings with a serving of this baked macaroni and cheese. It’s a cozy casserole that'll leave everyone saying “Yes, please!” Combine cooked macaroni with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, then bake it in a casserole bubbling and golden brown perfection. Amp up the taste and nutrition by tossing in broccoli and bacon or ham. #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese on a spoon](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-2-OurZestyLife-5.jpg)
Other Delish Pasta Sides!
Did you enjoy this Baked Macaroni And Cheese? Leave a comment and rating below!
![Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese on a fork](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-2-2-OurZestyLife-11-500x500.jpg)
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 Tablespoon whole wheat flour *
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 ¼ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 12 ounces macaroni pasta
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook pasta per package and drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a small pot, melt butter then remove from heat. Stir in flour until well combined.
- Return to heat and add milk gradually. Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and add dry mustard and 1 cup of cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce together. Add onion if using. If it is a little dry, mix in some reserved pasta water.
- Add to casserole dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes, until bubbling.
Notes
- *Substitute all purpose flour for whole wheat flour if needed.
- Double the recipe if desired.
- Bake in a 3 quart baking dish or 9″x13″ casserole dish.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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![Savor the warm comfort of baked macaroni and cheese. Delicate macaroni is baked in a smooth cheddar sauce, crowned with cheese to create a savory golden-brown crust. Pair this creamy dish with green beans, peas, or a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. This easy cassarole is a cherished classic in households everywhere. #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy creamy Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese in the dish with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SP-Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![Baked macaroni and cheese is a cozy favorite loved by families everywhere. Tender macaroni is baked in a velvety cheddar sauce, and topped with cheese for a deliciously golden crust. Enjoy this rich and creamy casserole with green beans, peas, or a fresh green salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette. #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy plated Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SP-Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
![Creamy baked macaroni and cheese is a comfort classic that’s near and dear to families everywhere. Tender macaroni is baked in a creamy cheddar sauce with a cheesy topping that makes a savory golden brown crust. Serve this rich, cheesy casserole with green beans, peas, or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy cheesy Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese in a bowl with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NP-OZL-Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
![Indulge in this creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe for a comforting casserole that will have everyone clamoring for more. Cooked macaroni is melded with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce and baked until bubbling and golden brown. Add broccoli and bacon or ham for extra flavor and nutrition. Homemade classics like this baked macaroni and cheese recipe never go out of style! #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese in the dish and plated with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NP-OZL-Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![Indulge in the creamy flavors of baked macaroni and cheese, a comforting staple in family kitchens everywhere! Tender macaroni is cooked in a creamy cheddar sauce, and topped with cheese to form a mouthwatering golden crust. Pair this cheesy delight with green beans, peas, or a refreshing green salad with a zingy vinaigrette. #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy taking a spoonful of Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/LP-Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-OurZestyLife-.jpg)
![Serve your family this baked macaroni and cheese dish for a comforting casserole that'll leave everyone wanting seconds. Combine cooked macaroni with a luscious cheddar cheese sauce, then bake until bubbly and golden brown. Enhance the flavor and nutrition by adding broccoli and bacon or ham. Timeless homemade classics like this baked macaroni and cheese recipe, are always a hit! #bakedmacaroniandcheese #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipe #ourzestylife #bakedmacaroniandcheeserecipeeasy plated Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese and close up with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/LP-Homemade-Baked-Macaroni-and-Cheese-OZL-1.jpg)
I love this easy recipe. especially the cheesy top.
Thank you Sydney!