Dinner

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Introduction

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting classic that’s creamy, cheesy, and golden on top. This recipe uses a simple homemade cheese sauce combined with tender elbow macaroni, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s perfect for a satisfying family meal or a cozy night in.

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

Tips & Variations

Use sharp or extra sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
Swap the elbow macaroni for shells or cavatappi for a fun twist.
For a crunchy topping, mix some grated Parmesan with the breadcrumbs.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed onions to the cheese sauce for extra depth.
Use whole milk or half-and-half for creamier sauce, but reduce the amount slightly if too thin.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture.

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 cheeses?

Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina for unique flavors and textures. Just ensure they melt well.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Also, double-check macaroni ingredients as some may contain gluten.