Name: Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250g / 8 oz macaroni (elbow pasta); 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter (or 2 tsp oil); 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 tsp salt; 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups warmed milk (low or full fat); 2 cups freshly shredded Gruyere cheese (or substitute with cheddar or Colby); 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or more of other cheese of choice); 3/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp mustard powder

If you’ve ever craved that ultra comforting, creamy, and crunchy-on-top pasta dish, then you’re in for a treat because this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is fan-freaking-tastic. I absolutely love how this version balances the melty cheese sauce with a golden, crispy panko topping—it’s just the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to make sure yours turns out perfectly every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Creamy Cheese Sauce: The homemade roux-based sauce melts in your mouth with a perfect blend of Gruyere and mozzarella.
Crunchy Panko Topping: That golden crust on top adds irresistible crunch and texture contrast you won’t get from regular breadcrumbs.
Simple Yet Impressive: Even if you’re new to cooking, the step-by-step approach makes it easy to nail every part of this classic.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck side, this baked mac hits the spot for everyone.

A close-up view of a black bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese. The dish has two main layers: the bottom layer is soft macaroni pasta covered in a smooth, white cheese sauce, and the top layer is golden brown toasted breadcrumbs with small green herb bits sprinkled throughout. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, scooping some of the macaroni. The background features a white marbled texture with a soft beige cloth visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Mac and Cheese, cheesy baked pasta, homemade mac and cheese, crispy top mac and cheese, easy baked pasta recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an important role here, from the pasta shape that holds the sauce to the combination of cheeses that deliver flavor and meltiness. Picking the right kinds of cheese and topping will elevate your baked mac into something special.

Flat lay of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, a few cubes of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh panko breadcrumbs, another small white ceramic bowl containing melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with plain all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with freshly shredded gruyere cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Baked Mac and Cheese, cheesy baked pasta, homemade mac and cheese, crispy top mac and cheese, easy baked pasta recipe

Macaroni: Elbow pasta is classic here because it traps sauce perfectly in those little curves.
Unsalted Butter: Used both in the sauce and to toss with pasta, butter adds richness and helps keep the pasta from drying out while baking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give you that signature crunchy topping—try to find Japanese panko if you can for maximum crunch.
Flour (all-purpose): This thickens the cheese sauce into the silky roux base that coats every noodle.
Milk: Warmed milk blends into the roux smoothly—using full-fat milk will make your sauce extra creamy.
Gruyere Cheese: This is my go-to “main cheese” because it melts beautifully and adds a nutty depth.
Mozzarella Cheese: It’s a fantastic partner for meltiness and stretchiness without overpowering other flavors.
Seasonings (optional): Garlic, onion, and mustard powders add subtle layers of flavor for extra oomph.
Salt: Essential for balancing the cheese’s saltiness and drawing out flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have in the fridge. Play around with different cheeses or add-ins to suit your taste!

Extra Cheesy: I once doubled the Gruyere for a seriously rich and indulgent version—totally worth it for special nights in.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or mix in diced jalapeños for some unexpected heat that wakes up this classic.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower before baking for a heartier, veggie-packed meal that kids actually love.
Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and choose gluten-free pasta to keep this recipe accessible.

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta Just Right

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your elbow macaroni. Follow the package instructions, but cook it for one minute less than recommended — this keeps the pasta perfectly al dente so it won’t overcook during baking. When you drain it, immediately toss it with butter so every piece is lightly coated; this little trick I learned helps prevent the noodles from sticking together and absorbing too much sauce later on.

Step 2: Whip Up Your Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan or oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook it for about a minute—this roux is your sauce’s base and cooking it prevents the flour from tasting raw. Gradually whisk in warm milk, starting with a cup to dissolve the paste, then adding the rest while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens into a luscious cream consistency—this usually takes 5 to 8 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheeses until just combined. Don’t worry about melting the cheese fully at this stage; it will continue melting in the oven.

Step 3: Combine, Top, and Bake

Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with your prepared macaroni and stir quickly to coat everything evenly. Then transfer the mixture into your baking dish or skillet. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and salt, then generously sprinkle over the top to create that golden, crunchy layer. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 25 minutes or until the topping turns a lovely light golden brown. Make sure not to overbake so the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t dry out.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve this immediately while it’s warm and bubbly—you’ll find the contrast between the crunchy top and creamy inside absolutely delightful every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Toss Pasta with Butter: This small step stops the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and getting mushy when baked—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy; freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes fresher.
Use Warm Milk: Adding warm milk to the roux prevents lumps and creates a silky smooth sauce without any fuss.
Watch the Bake Time: Overbaking dries out the sauce, so keep an eye on the topping color and pull it out once golden and bubbly.

How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a slice of baked macaroni and cheese being lifted, with long strings of melted white cheese stretching down from the main dish. The macaroni is covered with a thick layer of creamy, white cheese sauce visible inside, topped with a golden-brown crumbly layer with a slightly crispy texture and small green herb bits scattered on top. The background is a white marbled texture, and the dish rests in a white container. The focus is on the gooey cheese stretching and the crunchy topping on the macaroni. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Mac and Cheese, cheesy baked pasta, homemade mac and cheese, crispy top mac and cheese, easy baked pasta recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving. This adds a lovely fresh note that cuts through the richness and makes the dish look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple — a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy mac perfectly, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts add depth. Sometimes, I even serve it alongside a smoky grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation at potlucks or dinner parties, I like baking the mac and cheese in individual ramekins and topping each with extra cheese and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s impressive and makes servings easier. Or, try layering some crispy bacon bits within the bake for a surprise crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, the texture remains much better if you gently warm it instead of just nuking it.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable! After assembling (before baking), freeze your mac and cheese covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered until heated through, removing the cover to crisp the topping near the end.

Reheating

My favorite method is to microwave leftovers just to warm through, then give it a quick broil or grill for a few minutes to refresh the breadcrumb crunch. Spritzing with a little oil or butter before crisping helps revive that top layer beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this baked mac and cheese recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce well, you can swap in shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just keep in mind that pasta shapes with grooves or hollow centers will better trap the cheesy sauce, enhancing every bite.
What cheeses work best in baked mac and cheese?

I recommend combining a flavorful melting cheese like Gruyere with mozzarella for creaminess and stretch. Cheddar and Colby are also popular. The key is to use freshly shredded cheese to avoid that grainy sauce texture from anti-caking agents in pre-shredded varieties.
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Cook the pasta and toss with butter, make the cheese sauce, then combine them and top with breadcrumbs. Store covered in the fridge or freezer. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature or thaw completely, then bake covered and finish uncovered for a golden topping.
How do I prevent my baked mac and cheese from becoming dry?

The biggest trick is not to overbake it—once the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbly, pull it from the oven. Tossing the pasta in butter before mixing helps keep moisture in, and using the right ratio of cheese to milk keeps the sauce creamy rather than drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe really holds a special place in my heart because it brings everyone to the table with smiles, no matter the occasion. It’s the kind of dish I make for both simple weeknight dinners and special gatherings, and honestly, it never disappoints. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as devouring it, and once you try these tips, it might just become your go-to comfort food staple. So grab your cheese grater, warm up your oven, and get ready to impress with one of the best baked mac and cheese recipes out there!