Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese – A Comfort Food Classic

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, homemade macaroni and cheese to bring back nostalgic family memories. This Southern-style mac and cheese recipe takes the classic dish up a notch with a rich blend of cheddar, muenster, and gouda cheeses, giving it a creamy, decadent texture that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or a cozy family meal, this baked macaroni and cheese recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🧀✨

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy Texture – The combination of heavy whipping cream and eggs creates a perfectly smooth and custard-like texture.
• Irresistible Cheese Blend – The mix of cheddar, muenster, and gouda adds depth, flavor, and melty goodness.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this easy homemade mac and cheese recipe beginner-friendly.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Whether for a potluck, holiday dinner, or weeknight meal, this Southern baked mac and cheese is always a hit!

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Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• 12 oz long macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 lb cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 lb muenster cheese, shredded
• 1/2 lb gouda cheese, shredded
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 3 large eggs
• 4 tbsp butter, divided

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Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

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Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the macaroni until tender but slightly firm to prevent overcooking during baking. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Casserole Dish

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Melt 2 tbsp of butter in the bottom of a large casserole dish.

3. Layer the Mac and Cheese

• First Layer: Add half of the cooked noodles, followed by muenster cheese and half of the cheddar. Dot with a few small pats of butter.
• Second Layer: Add another layer of noodles, then the remaining cheddar and gouda cheese. Add a few more pats of butter on top.

4. Prepare the Custard Mixture

• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy whipping cream until well combined.
• Pour the mixture evenly over the oven-baked macaroni and cheese, ensuring it soaks into the layers.
• Dot the top with any remaining butter.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Bake uncovered at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
• Check doneness by sliding a spoon down one side of the casserole—it should be congealed, not runny.
• If it’s still too liquid, continue baking in 5-minute intervals until the desired consistency is reached.

6. Serve & Enjoy

• Let the mac and cheese casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
• Enjoy hot with your favorite sides! 🍽️

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Expert Tips for the Best Baked Mac & Cheese

• Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly undercooking the noodles helps them absorb the custard mixture while baking without becoming mushy.
• Let it rest before serving – This helps the cheese set, making it easier to scoop and serve.

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What to Serve with Mac and Cheese

Pair this Southern baked macaroni and cheese with:

• Southern Fried Chicken 🍗
• Collard Greens 🥬
• Baked Ham 🍖
• Roasted Vegetables 🥕

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm up in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in short intervals.
• Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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You May Also Like

• Creamy Baked Ziti 🍝
• Southern Cornbread Dressing 🍞
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes 🥔

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This homemade baked macaroni and cheese is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Try this make-ahead mac and cheese and let me know what you think in the comments! 😊💛