Dinner

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByElla Hart January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

Introduction

This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, it’s sure to please the whole family with minimal effort.

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. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheeses, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
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 on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
Substitute half the cheddar with Gruyère for a nuttier taste.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for a savory twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.

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, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the roux. Ensure breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well.