Homemade Mac and Cheese Modern Honey

July 06, 2024

How to make the richest, creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese that everyone will love. This homemade macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food recipe.

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food! While the boxed version may be convenient, there’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy goodness of homemade mac and cheese.

I will share the steps to create the perfect mac and cheese and discuss the best cheeses to use for that perfect, indulgent flavor. Plus, we’ll share some tips to help you master this classic side dish.

There are some serious tips and tricks for making the best mac n’ cheese. Did you know cheese can be finicky when melted? Oh yes, it can. I was on the search for the best macaroni and cheese recipe and after many experiments in the kitchen, I am feeling really good that we have it!

I have several mac and cheese recipes on Modern Honey — my Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe ,my Stovetop Cheddar Jalapeno Mac and Cheese and my Panera Copycat White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.

Why you will love this Mac and Cheese Recipe:

It is the creamiest mac and cheese because it starts by making a roux with butter, flour, and milk and slowly adding the cheeses to make a smooth, velvety sauce.

It has a mix of two cheeses — sharp cheddar and gruyere to make it so cheesy and flavorful!

It is so easy to make homemade macaroni and cheese and uses fresh ingredients.

Mac and Cheese Ingredients:

This homemade mac and cheese recipe uses all-natural ingredients. I will share my suggestions for the best cheeses to include in your baked mac and cheese.

Elbow Macaroni Pasta — cook according to package instructions. Make sure to generously salt the pasta water so it infuses flavor into the pasta.
Butter — use salted butter to make a roux sauce.
Flour — use all-purpose flour to mix with the butter as the base for the roux.
Half-n-Half — a combination of half-n-half and whole milk makes a perfectly creamy sauce.
Whole Milk — may use 2% milk as a substitute but whole milk is preferred.
Cheeses: Sharp Cheddar and Gruyere Cheeses — by using a combination of freshly grated cheeses, it adds complexity of flavors and textures to the mac and cheese.
Spices: Salt, Pepper, Dried Mustard, Nutmeg

What are the best cheeses for Macaroni and Cheese:

The key to making the best mac and cheese is choosing the right cheeses. A perfect blend of cheeses will give you the creamiest texture. Here are some of the best cheeses to use in homemade mac and cheese:

Cheddar: This cheese is a staple in mac and cheese recipes. Its sharp and tangy flavor adds depth and richness to the dish. Sharp cheddar is recommended for a more pronounced cheese flavor. You can also use mild or medium for a softer flavor.

Gruyère: Gruyère is known for its nutty, sweet, and slightly salty taste. Combining it with cheddar creates a balanced, complex flavor profile.

Fontina: Creamy and melt-in-your-mouth, fontina cheese adds a wonderful creaminess to your mac and cheese.

Parmesan: Grated Parmesan cheese enhances the savory and salty notes. A generous sprinkling of Parmesan on top can create a delightful golden crust when baked. The downside of using parmesan is that it doesn’t have a high melting factor so it doesn’t melt well. If you use parmesan, add it in small increments so it wont clump and will allow it to melt.

Monterey Jack: For extra creaminess and meltability, Monterey Jack is a fantastic addition to the mix. For extra spice, use pepper jack cheese.

Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Be sure to grate or shred your cheeses to ensure they melt evenly into the sauce.

DO NOT USE PRE-GRATED PACKAGED CHEESE!

Tips for making the best mac and cheese:

Use high-quality cheese: Quality cheese makes a big difference in flavor and creaminess. Freshly grated cheese is ideal, as pre-packaged cheese may contain additives that affect texture and its melting ability.

Don’t overcook the pasta: To prevent mushy mac and cheese, cook the pasta just until it’s al dente.

Customize your macaroni and cheese: Add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper can add depth and a bit of heat to your dish. Add jalapenos for a touch of spice.

Add panko bread crumbs for a crispy topping: Baking your mac and cheese allows you to create that delectable crispy layer on top. If you prefer a creamier version, you can skip this step.

How to make Homemade Mac and Cheese:

Start with Butter. It is the base of the sauce and gives off a nuttiness that is integral to the cheese sauce. The butter is melted in a large saucepan or pot, then flour is added, and whisked together to make a thick paste, and mix is added to make a roux. This is what will give the cheese sauce the structure it needs.

2. Choosing the right CHEESE. What type of cheese should you use? A sharp cheddar cheese is always a good choice. I share my top picks for cheeses above. My biggest tip would be to freshly grate the cheese instead of using pre-shredded packaged cheese. It doesn’t melt well in mac and cheese.

3. It is important to add the cheese in increments, whisking well after each addition. This ensures the cheese melts in small batches so it doesn’t clump. When you add the cheese, reduce the heat so it cooks low and slow. Another key is to layer the cheese. Cheese is added to the cheese sauce, and then once it is poured into a baking dish, more cheese is added to the middle of the dish. Of course, you need to top it with cheese as well.

4. Bake just until the cheese is melted. This is optional. The only concern with baked mac and cheese is that it can dry out once it hits the oven. I like to cook it for a short time or place it under the broiler for about 3 minutes.

5. Breadcrumbs or no breadcrumbs? This is the question. Most baked mac n’ cheese calls for breadcrumbs. The bread crumbs add a bit of crunch and texture to offset the creaminess of the macaroni and cheese. I also found that a creamy mac n’ cheese is heavenly on its own too. You can’t go wrong!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you freeze Mac and Cheese?

Yes! You can freeze mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for several months. Defrost at room temperature and then warm in the oven. You may need to add a splash of cream as the pasta with soak up some of the cheese sauce.

I love serving this at our Thanksgiving dinner and it is always a huge hit! You will find the best Thanksgiving recipes all in one place.

Mac and Cheese Recipes:

Here are some creamy pasta recipes…

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In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions. Drain.
Meanwhile, melt butter over medium heat in large saucepan or skillet. Once butter is melted, stir in flour and use a whisk to make a smooth paste.
Stir in half-n-half and keep whisking until smooth. Stir in whole milk. Cook until thickened and begins to coat the back of a spoon.
Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and dried mustard.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in 2 cups (reserve 2 cups for later) of sharp cheddar cheese, in small increments, and keep whisking until melted. This helps to keep the cheese from clumping. Stir in 2 cups of Gruyere cheese until creamy.
Toss drained pasta with creamy cheese sauce.
Pour 1/2 pasta mixture into 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Top with remaining mac n’ cheese.
Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese.
Optional: top with panko breadcrumbs.
Bake at 350 degrees for 5-6 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and melted or place under the broil setting for 2-3 minutes.

Adapted from Ina Garten

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Find all of Modern Honey’s Thanksgiving recipes at www.modernhoney.com/thanksgiving. PIN this image on PINTEREST.

Happy Cooking, my friends!

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