Creamy cheese sauce and a golden breadcrumb crust
Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8
1 baking dish
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy cheese sauce and a golden breadcrumb crust
★4.5(8)
Ultra-creamy stovetop mac and cheese baked with a crispy buttered breadcrumb topping. The family favorite that pleases kids and adults at the same table.
15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This baked mac and cheese starts with a velvety homemade cheese sauce made from a classic roux, then gets topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked until bubbly. It is comfort food at its finest.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- 1
Cook macaroni 1 minute less than package directions; drain. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2
Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Remove from heat and stir in 2.5 cups cheddar until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of mustard powder. Fold in the macaroni.
- 4
Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Toss panko with 1 tbsp melted butter and remaining cheese; sprinkle on top.
- 5
Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Sharp cheddarGruyere or fontina for a fancier version
Gruyere adds nutty depth adults love
Elbow macaroniCavatappi or shells
Shapes with ridges and holes catch more cheese sauce
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Add a pinch of mustard powder and a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for depth without heat kids can detect.
Undercook the pasta by 1 minute since it continues cooking in the oven.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. Freeze baked mac up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat covered at 350°F for 20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (55mg) · 8 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein18g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat46g
Fiber520mg
Sugar1g
Sodium5g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
- Add cheese off the heat and stir until melted—boiling causes graininess.
- Can I add mix-ins?
- Broccoli, bacon, or diced ham are great additions—fold them in with the pasta.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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