Nothing beats a bubbling dish of Baked Macaroni and Cheese straight from the oven — creamy, rich, and perfectly golden on top. This classic comfort food features tender pasta coated in a silky cheese sauce, then baked to perfection with a crunchy topping. It’s a family favorite that works for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.
Ingredients
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1 lb elbow macaroni
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4 tbsp butter
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4 tbsp all-purpose flour
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3 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
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1 cup heavy cream
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3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika (optional)
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½ tsp mustard powder (optional for depth)
Topping
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
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2 tbsp melted butter
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 45 minutes
Serving
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Serves 6
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking until smooth. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly (about 4–5 minutes). -
Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until melted and creamy. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. -
Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece. -
Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan. -
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. -
Serve:
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to help the sauce set slightly.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 560
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Protein: 24g
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Fat: 31g
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Carbohydrates: 44g
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Fiber: 2g
Tips
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Mix different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for added flavor.
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For extra crunch, add crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes to the topping.
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If you prefer it creamier, bake for a shorter time or skip the topping altogether.
This Baked Macaroni and Cheese brings everything you want in a comfort dish — gooey cheese, buttery sauce, and that irresistible crispy crust on top.
