Dinner

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByVictor Layne January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

Introduction

Easy baked mac and cheese is a comforting classic that combines creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This simple recipe delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

A close-up of a baked macaroni and cheese dish in a white oval ceramic baking dish with red handles, showing a golden brown breadcrumb crust on top with visible specks of herbs. Underneath the crumbly crust, the creamy yellow macaroni is peeking out, tightly packed and baked to a slight crisp around the edges, resting on a white marbled surface. 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 shredded cheeses, 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: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

Use a combination of cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a deeper flavor.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
Try adding cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for more texture and taste.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for a crunchier topping.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness, or microwave covered for a quicker option, though the topping may soften.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish in a white oval casserole with red handles. The top layer is a golden-brown crumb crust sprinkled evenly with herbs and bits of toasted cheese, giving it a crunchy texture. Below the crust, there is a bright yellow layer of pasta, slightly visible through some gaps, likely creamy and cheesy inside. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with warm light highlighting the crispy texture and glossy edges of the casserole. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne works well in this recipe.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.