Dinner

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

Introduction

This easy baked mac and cheese recipe combines creamy cheese sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping for a comforting, classic dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy side, it’s simple to prepare and loved by all ages.

A close-up view of a large white oval baking dish filled with baked macaroni and cheese. The dish has a thick top layer of golden-brown crispy breadcrumbs with hints of darker roasted spots and small green herb flakes. Below the crunchy top, the cheese sauce covers the curly elbow macaroni, visible in a warm yellow-orange color peeking out near the edges. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface, with a blurred kitchen background. 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, black 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 over the mac and cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.
Try mixing in cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or steamed broccoli for added flavor and texture.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for a crunchier topping.
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.

Storage

Store leftover baked mac and cheese 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 the crispy topping, or microwave covered for quicker reheating, though the topping may soften.

How to Serve

A large oval red baking dish filled with macaroni and cheese is shown. The dish has a crunchy, golden-brown breadcrumb layer on top that is speckled with small dark herbs. Underneath the topping, the creamy, pale yellow macaroni pasta is visible, tightly packed and baked. The edges of the white inside of the baking dish show some browned spots where the cheese has bubbled and crisped. The background is blurred with a warm kitchen atmosphere, and the dish rests on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What cheese works best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is traditional for its flavor and melting quality. Combining it with mozzarella or Colby Jack adds creaminess and stretchiness to the sauce.