Dinner

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

Introduction

This easy baked mac and cheese recipe is a comforting classic that’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal, it’s simple to make with everyday ingredients.

A white oval baking dish with red handles holds a baked macaroni and cheese. The top layer is a thick, golden-brown breadcrumb crust that looks crispy and slightly uneven, with small bits browned darker. Underneath the crust are visible creamy, yellow macaroni noodles with smooth texture, tightly packed and slightly bubbling along the edges. The dish rests on a wooden surface with a soft blurred background giving a warm cozy kitchen feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup mozzarella or Colby Jack (shredded)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
1 tablespoon melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 4: Slowly whisk in the warm milk. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella (or Colby Jack), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 6: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier topping.
Try mixing different cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for a richer taste.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts stirring in between to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A red oval baking dish filled with baked macaroni and cheese, showing a thick, golden-brown crumb topping that covers the whole surface, with breadcrumbs that have small dark specks suggesting herbs. Below the crumb layer are creamy elbow macaroni pieces coated in melted cheese, visible at the edges. The dish sits on a wooden tray. The background is softly blurred with warm tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is classic, other small pasta shapes like shells or penne work well in baked mac and cheese.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out when baking?

Be sure to use enough cheese sauce to coat the pasta thoroughly and cover the baking dish loosely with foil for part of the baking time if needed. The buttered breadcrumb topping also helps keep the dish moist underneath.