Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

Best Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe? This one takes the crown. Whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast or a weeknight comfort meal, mac and cheese always delivers. This isn’t just any mac and cheese—it’s the thickest, creamiest, cheesiest one you’ll ever taste, complete with giant cheese pulls that’ll leave everyone speechless.

This recipe was born after I lost my original version, passed down by a dear friend. My twist? Adding crème fraiche for extra creaminess and a tangy kick. It’s become such a hit that it’s now my signature dish for New Year’s celebrations—and I once got a 1 a.m. call from friends raving about it! I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy with your loved ones.

Ingredients for Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Elbow Pasta (or any of your favorites): Pasta serves as the comforting base of this dish, providing a neutral canvas for the rich cheese sauce. Its primary role is to give the mac and cheese a satisfying texture.
• Pancetta: Pancetta adds a savory and slightly salty flavor to the dish. It becomes crispy and imparts a delightful crunch and smoky undertones when cooked.
• Shallot: Shallots bring a mild, sweet, and slightly oniony flavor. They provide a more subtle essence than regular onions, ensuring they don’t overpower the dish.
• Butter and Flour: Butter and flour create a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce. Butter contributes a rich, creamy taste, while flour adds a subtle nuttiness.
• Whole Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and a mild, sweet dairy flavor to the sauce. It’s a key component in creating a velvety texture.
• Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère cheese has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy, melting quality. It’s known for its exceptional melting ability, making it a popular choice for mac and cheese.
• White Cheddar Cheese: White cheddar cheese provides a sharp and tangy flavor profile. It contributes to the robust cheese sauce, balancing the richness with its zesty notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory kick to the dish. It also contributes to the sauce’s creaminess and enhances the umami flavor.
• Crème Fraîche:Crème fraîche brings a mild tanginess and richness to the mac and cheese. It offers a creamy, velvety texture and a subtle cultured flavor.
• Chili Powder: Chili powder introduces a gentle, smoky heat and a touch of complexity to the dish. Its mild spiciness complements the richness of the cheese sauce.
• Topping (Bread Crumbs, Butter, Parmesan Cheese): The topping, made with bread crumbs, butter, and Parmesan cheese, adds a crispy, golden layer to the mac and cheese. It provides a delightful contrast in texture and an additional layer of cheesy flavor.

How to Make a Roux

A roux is the secret to the silky, luxurious cheese sauce in your mac and cheese. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and your favorite seasonings until smooth—this creates the perfect base for your cheese sauce, giving it a creamy thickness. Want to take it up a notch? Sauté pancetta and shallots before adding the flour. They’ll add a rich, savory depth that transforms your mac and cheese into gourmet comfort food.

How Long to Bake?

Baking is where the magic happens. Even though everything is pre-cooked, the oven melds the flavors, and the top is golden. Bake your mac and cheese for about 30 minutes—long enough for the sauce to thicken and the macaroni to stay al dente. The result? A bubbling dish with a crisp top and creamy center that screams homemade deliciousness.

Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! This recipe is freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. You can freeze it before or after baking—whichever fits your schedule. For leftovers, divide them into portions, wrap them tightly in freezer-safe bags, and freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to indulge, reheat and enjoy that comforting cheesy goodness.

Leftover Mac and Cheese Ideas

Don’t let those leftovers sit in the fridge! Here are creative ways to give them a delicious makeover:

• Mac and Cheese Bites: Roll into small balls, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry or air-fry for crispy perfection.
• Cheesy Sandwich Melt: Stuff mac and cheese into a sandwich for a gooey, indulgent twist.
• Mini Mac Cups: Mix with diced veggies, spoon into a muffin tin, and bake for adorable individual portions.

Reheating Without Drying Out

The key to reheating mac and cheese is keeping it creamy. Add a splash of milk (or cream!) before warming it up. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to bring back that smooth, cheesy texture. It’ll taste just as amazing as the first bite.

Pair Your Homemade Mac and Cheese

Pairing suggestions for your homemade mac and cheese are abundant, making it a versatile side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. You can serve it alongside your herbed turkey or roasted whole duck, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. If you’re to balance the richness of the mac and cheese, consider adding some vibrant green beans or a refreshing beet salad with burrata. Don’t forget to include traditional Thanksgiving sides like cranberry relish, roasted Brussels sprouts, and roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a complete holiday spread. And when it’s time for dessert, enjoy the sweet notes of a deep-dish apple pie and a luscious pumpkin tart, rounding out your Thanksgiving meal with comfort and joy.