Description
This Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a golden topping. It’s perfect as a main dish or a hearty side.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 cup half-and-half or light cream
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 10.75 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup (optional, 1 can)
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup bread crumbs (Panko recommended) – optional
- 3 tablespoons melted butter – optional
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese – optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package suggests. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Add mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
- Remove sauce from heat. Stir in Parmesan and 3 cups of cheddar until melted. Add cheddar cheese soup, if using. Adjust seasoning.
- Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce. Pour into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese. If desired, add breadcrumb topping made with breadcrumbs, melted butter, and extra cheese.
- Bake for 18–24 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Do not overbake.
- Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results.
- Rinsing pasta prevents overcooking in the oven.
- Make ahead by assembling up to 2 days in advance and refrigerating.
- Reheat with a splash of milk or cream for creaminess.
- Add protein like cooked chicken or vegetables for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
