Baked Mac and Cheese
This classic Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Rich, satisfying, and made from scratch, this recipe brings cozy nostalgia to every bite
Ingredients
For the pasta and sauce:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, but adds depth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste.
- Add the milk and cream: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add seasoning and cheese: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan (if using).
- Assemble and bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot and enjoy every gooey, crispy bite.
Notes
- Cheese options: Feel free to mix cheeses—Gruyère, Fontina, or Monterey Jack are great for melt and flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- Crispier topping: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes if you want a deeply golden crust.