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5.0 from 204 votes

Homemade Mac n Cheese

This is the absolute best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese! This creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is made with 3 cheeses and topped with a crispy and tasty topping.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 698 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry macaroni pasta
  • 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
  • 3 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup White Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded
Topping
  • 1/2 cup panko
  • 3 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 (3 Qt) baking dish with cooking spray or melted butter and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the topping ingredients and set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until almost al dente (about 2 minutes less than the cooking time indicated on the package). Drain, transfer the pasta to a large bowl and drizzle it with a little bit of olive oil (or butter) to keep the pasta from sticking. Toss to coat.
  4. In a large saucepan over medium high heat, melt the butter (do not allow it to brown). Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Continue to cook, stirring for about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, slowly pour in the milk in a thin, steady stream then, slowly pour the half and half whisking until combined and smooth.
  5. Whisk in the black pepper, pinch of nutmeg, garlic powder, ground mustard, and heat stirring until the sauce comes to a simmer and begins to thicken. This will take about 6 - 8 minutes. When the sauce coats the back of a wooden spoon, you should be able to draw a path with your finger. Then you know the sauce is ready.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and working in increments, add the sharp cheddar cheese stirring until well combined and completely melted. Continue with the white cheddar, adding the cheese in small increments and mixing it in, until melted before adding more. Next, add the Gruyere cheese and mix to combine. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. Remove from the stove.
  7. Pour the cheese sauce into the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated. Add the White Cheddar cheese and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
  8. Pour the cheesy pasta into the baking dish and smooth the top into an even layer. Sprinkle the panko topping and bake for 20 minutes. If the top is not golden enough, place the baking dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it. 
  9. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • After adding the cheese, do not let the sauce boil.
  • Don't over bake. If you would like the topping extra golden, place the pasta bake under the broiler for a few minutes. Over baking may result in dried mac n cheese.
  • Add about 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to the Panko topping for extra cheesiness.

Nutrition Information

Calories 698kcal (35%) Carbohydrates 46g (15%) Protein 29g (58%) Fat 44g (68%) Saturated Fat 26g (130%) Cholesterol 132mg (44%) Sodium 603mg (25%) Potassium 310mg (9%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 1340IU (27%) Vitamin C 0.4mg (0%) Calcium 717mg (72%) Iron 1.4mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 698

% Daily Value*

Calories 698kcal 35%
Carbohydrates 46g 15%
Protein 29g 58%
Fat 44g 68%
Saturated Fat 26g 130%
Cholesterol 132mg 44%
Sodium 603mg 25%
Potassium 310mg 7%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 1340IU 27%
Vitamin C 0.4mg 0%
Calcium 717mg 72%
Iron 1.4mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.