Homemade Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs

This Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe contains elbow pasta, milk, cheddar, gruyere, flour and toasted bread.

Homemade mac and cheese can be baked in the oven to create a crispy, golden crust on top, or it can be served stovetop for a creamier, saucier version. It can also be made with a variety of different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, Swiss, or even blue cheese, depending on personal preference.

Homemade mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even as a component in casseroles or other dishes. It's a popular comfort food that is loved by many, and it's a dish that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.

If you are looking for classic southern-style comfort food, this Mac and Cheese will make you feel complete. The pasta is actually cooked in the milk and once it is cooked al dente, you melt in all the shredded cheeses. The toasted breadcrumbs is a must. Add the cooked, cheesy macaroni in a baking dish and top with the toasted breadcrumbs and bake for an extra 15 minutes. It is to DIE for!

What is Homemade Mac and Cheese?

Homemade mac and cheese, short for macaroni and cheese, is a popular comfort food dish made from cooked macaroni pasta typically mixed with a cheese-based sauce. It's a classic American dish that has many variations and can be customized to suit individual tastes.

The basic recipe for homemade mac and cheese typically involves cooking macaroni pasta until it's al dente, then combining it with a creamy cheese sauce made from a mixture of cheese, milk or cream, and sometimes butter. The sauce is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and other optional herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.

Why you will love this recipe

• Comforting and nostalgic: Mac and cheese is often associated with warm, comforting memories of childhood or home-cooked meals. It's a dish that can evoke a sense of nostalgia and bring back fond memories, making it a comforting and familiar option for many people.
• Customizable: Homemade mac and cheese can be easily customized to suit individual tastes and preferences. From choosing the type of pasta and cheese to the seasonings and add-ins, there are endless possibilities for creating a mac and cheese dish that is uniquely suited to your liking. This versatility allows for creativity and experimentation in the kitchen.
• Simple and easy to make: While there are many variations of mac and cheese, the basic recipe is relatively simple and easy to make at home. With just a few key ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can whip up a homemade mac and cheese dish in no time. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that can be prepared with minimal effort, making it a convenient option for busy households.
• Versatile and adaptable: Homemade mac and cheese can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even as a component in other dishes. It can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free pasta or vegan cheese for those with dietary restrictions. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various settings, from family dinners to potlucks and gatherings.
• Crowd-pleasing: Mac and cheese is a universally loved dish that tends to be a crowd-pleaser. It's a dish that is often enjoyed by people of all ages, making it a popular option for family meals or gatherings. Its familiar flavors and comforting nature can make it a hit at social gatherings or events.

Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Elbow pasta
• Cayenne pepper
• Onion powder
• Nutmeg
• Butter
• Milk
• Cheddar
• Cream cheese
• Gruyere cheese
• American cheese
• Flour
• Stale bread
• Parmesan cheese
• Butter

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Homemade Mac and Cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat in a large stockpot. Whisk in the flour. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 1 minute, continuously stirring. Gradually whisk in the milk and 2 cups of water, then stir in the macaroni.

Increase to medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Stir frequently until al dente, 8-10 minutes.  While pasta is boiling make the bread crumbs. Tear up bread into pieces and pulse until fine. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in pan on medium-low, once foaming put in garlic until it smells fragrant. Throw in pulsed breadcrumbs and sprinkle with Parmesan until nice and crisp. This will take about 5 or so min. Set aside.

Add the cream cheese, cheddar, gruyere, American, cayenne, onion powder, and nutmeg in the pot. 

Add pasta and delicious goodness into 9x13 baking pan. Top with the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley if you decide.  Bake for 15 min to 20 or until top is browned. 

Hint: Customize your mac and cheese with delicious toppings, such as breadcrumbs, crispy bacon, chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, to add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

What to serve Homemade Mac and Cheese with

• Vegetables: Serve a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to add some freshness and nutrition to your meal. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, peas, roasted carrots, or green beans are great options to balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Salad: A crisp salad can complement the creamy mac and cheese nicely. You can serve a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and shaved parmesan cheese for a contrasting texture and flavor.
• Protein: Add some protein to your meal with grilled like my buttermilk roasted chicken, pulled pork, cooked bacon, or crispy tofu. These options can add a delicious contrast to the creamy mac and cheese and make it a heartier and more satisfying meal.
• Bread: Serve some crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side to soak up the cheesy sauce and add some additional texture to your meal. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks can also be a delicious accompaniment to mac and cheese.

Substitutions

• Pasta: If you don't have elbow pasta, you can use other types of pasta such as macaroni, penne, or shells as a substitute.
• Cayenne pepper: If you don't have cayenne pepper, you can use paprika, chili powder, or hot sauce as a substitute. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Onion powder: If you don't have onion powder, you can use finely minced fresh onion or substitute with garlic powder for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Nutmeg: If you don't have nutmeg, you can skip it or use a pinch of cinnamon or allspice as a substitute for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: If you don't have butter, you can use margarine, vegetable oil, or even coconut oil as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly with different substitutes.
• Milk: If you don't have milk, you can use alternative dairy or non-dairy milk options such as almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk as a substitute. Adjust the amount according to your desired consistency and creaminess.
• Cheddar cheese: If you don't have cheddar cheese, you can use other types of cheese such as colby, monterey jack, or gouda as a substitute. The flavor and meltability may vary with different cheeses, so choose according to your preference.
• Cream cheese: If you don't have plain cream cheese, you can use softened mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese as a substitute for a creamy, tangy flavor.
• Gruyere cheese: If you don't have gruyere cheese, you can use other types of cheese such as swiss, fontina, or provolone as a substitute. The flavor and meltability may vary with different cheeses.
• American cheese: If you don't have American cheese, you can use other types of processed cheese such as Velveeta or processed cheddar cheese as a substitute. The flavor and meltability may vary with different processed cheese options.
• Flour: If you don't have flour, you can use alternative thickening agents such as cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or potato starch as a substitute. Adjust the amount according to your desired thickness.

Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe Variations

• Bacon Mac and Cheese: Cook bacon until crispy and crumble it into the mac and cheese for added smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
• Lobster Mac and Cheese: Add cooked lobster meat to the mac and cheese for a decadent and luxurious twist. You can also use other types of seafood such as crab or shrimp. You can try boiling the lobster and adding the meat to the mac and cheese at the end.
• Buffalo Mac and Cheese: Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and mix it with the mac and cheese for a spicy and tangy twist. Top with blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
• Truffle Mac and Cheese: Add a few drops of truffle oil or truffle butter to the mac and cheese for a rich and earthy flavor. You can also shave truffle cheese or sprinkle truffle salt on top for an indulgent variation.

Equipment

• Large pot: I love using this dutch oven to make this mac and cheese and then baking in the oven.
• Whisk or wooden spoon: for stirring and combining the sauce ingredients.
• Cheese grater: for shredding the cheeses.
• Measuring cups and spoons: for accurately measuring the ingredients.
• Oven: for baking the mac and cheese, if using a baked version.

How to store Homemade Mac and Cheese

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers or if you want to store unbaked mac and cheese for later use, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Mac and cheese can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing, and cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
2. Freezing: If you have a larger batch of mac and cheese that you won't be able to consume within a few days, you can freeze it for longer storage. Transfer the mac and cheese to an airtight container or a freezer-safe resealable bag, and label it with the date for easy reference. Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, the texture of the pasta may be slightly different after freezing, but it can still be enjoyable.
3. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen mac and cheese, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish or a saucepan. If the mac and cheese seems dry, you can add a little milk or cream to the dish to moisten it. Heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as it can cause the cheese sauce to separate or become greasy.

Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe Top tips

• Use a combination of cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheeses to create a flavorful and creamy mac and cheese. A combination of cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan can add depth and richness to the dish. You can also add in other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, fontina, or gouda, for added variety.
• Cook pasta al dente: When boiling the pasta, make sure to cook it al dente, which means it should be cooked until it is still slightly firm when bitten. This helps the pasta hold up better when baked or mixed with the cheese sauce, and prevents it from becoming too soft and mushy.
• Make a roux for a smooth sauce: To create a smooth cheese sauce, start by making a roux with melted butter and flour. Cook the roux for a few minutes until it turns slightly golden in color, then gradually whisk in the milk to create a creamy base for the sauce.
• Use real cheese, freshly grated: For the best flavor and texture, use real cheese and grate it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a smoother and creamier texture to the mac and cheese.
• Add seasonings for extra flavor: Enhance the flavor of your mac and cheese by adding seasonings such as cayenne pepper, onion powder, nutmeg, or herbs like thyme or parsley. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
• Don't overbake: If you're making a baked mac and cheese, be careful not to overbake it, as it can result in a dry and less creamy dish. Keep an eye on the dish while it's baking and take it out of the oven when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
• Let it rest before serving: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together and the dish to set. This will also make it easier to portion and serve.
• Customize with toppings: Customize your mac and cheese with delicious toppings, such as breadcrumbs, crispy bacon, chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, to add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

---

★★★★★

5 from 1 review

• Author: Maxine Dubois
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe with Toasted Breadcrumbs contains elbow pasta, butter, milk, cheddar, gruyere, american cheese, flour and toasted bread.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For Mac 

• 1 pound elbow pasta
• ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg 
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 3 cups milk
• 2.5 cups of cheddar, shredded
• 3 oz plain cream cheese
• 1 cup of gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of American cheese, shredded
• ¼ cups flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For breadcrumbs

• 6 oz any type of bread, not too soft
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat in a large stockpot. Whisk in the flour. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 1 minute, continuously stirring. Gradually whisk in the milk and 2 cups of water, then stir in the macaroni. Increase to medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Stir frequently until al dente, 8-10 minutes. 
3. While pasta is boiling make the bread crumbs. Tear up bread into pieces and pulse until fine. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in pan on medium-low, once foaming put in garlic until it smells fragrant. Throw in pulsed breadcrumbs and sprinkle with Parmesan until nice and crisp. This will take about 5 or so min. Set aside.
4. Add the cream cheese, cheddar, gruyere, American, cayenne, onion powder, and nutmeg in the pot. 
5. Add pasta and delicious goodness into 9x13 baking pan.  Top with the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley if you decide.  Bake for 15 min to 20 or until top is browned. 

Notes

• Use a combination of cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheeses to create a flavorful and creamy mac and cheese. A combination of cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan can add depth and richness to the dish. You can also add in other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, fontina, or gouda, for added variety.
• Cook pasta al dente: When boiling the pasta, make sure to cook it al dente, which means it should be cooked until it is still slightly firm when bitten. This helps the pasta hold up better when baked or mixed with the cheese sauce, and prevents it from becoming too soft and mushy.
• Make a roux for a smooth sauce: To create a smooth cheese sauce, start by making a roux with melted butter and flour. Cook the roux for a few minutes until it turns slightly golden in color, then gradually whisk in the milk to create a creamy base for the sauce.
• Use real cheese, freshly grated: For the best flavor and texture, use real cheese and grate it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a smoother and creamier texture to the mac and cheese.
• Add seasonings for extra flavor: Enhance the flavor of your mac and cheese by adding seasonings such as cayenne pepper, onion powder, nutmeg, or herbs like thyme or parsley. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
• Don't overbake: If you're making a baked mac and cheese, be careful not to overbake it, as it can result in a dry and less creamy dish. Keep an eye on the dish while it's baking and take it out of the oven when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
• Let it rest before serving: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together and the dish to set. This will also make it easier to portion and serve.
• Customize with toppings: Customize your mac and cheese with delicious toppings, such as breadcrumbs, crispy bacon, chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, to add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 219
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 251 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.