Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This easy baked mac and cheese recipe is a comforting classic that’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy golden crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it combines simple ingredients to create a rich, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor—try adding Gruyère or Parmesan.
• For a crunchier topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed onions to the cheese sauce for a savory twist.
• Swap whole milk for half-and-half or cream for an even richer sauce.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese 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, or microwave in short intervals stirring in between. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to swap elbow macaroni for shells, penne, or any other small pasta shape that holds sauce well.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta, a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy sauce with tender elbow macaroni and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting classic perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 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 cheese (shredded)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

1. Cook the Macaroni: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, around 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
4. Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warm whole milk to the roux. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella (or Colby Jack) cheeses until melted and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder to flavor the sauce.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni thoroughly into the cheese sauce to coat all the pasta evenly. Then pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Add Breadcrumb Topping and Bake: Toss 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbly.

Notes

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
• For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version.
• To add extra flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed onions before baking.
• Make sure to warm the milk before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, comfort food, macaroni and cheese recipe, baked pasta, cheesy pasta bake