Dinner

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByZoe Lane January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

Introduction

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting classic that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy family meal or a satisfying side dish.

A close-up of a baked macaroni and cheese dish in a white oval ceramic baking dish with red handles, showing a golden brown breadcrumb crust on top with visible specks of herbs. Underneath the crumbly crust, the creamy yellow macaroni is peeking out, tightly packed and baked to a slight crisp around the edges, resting on a white marbled surface. 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 until slightly golden.
Step 4: Slowly whisk in warm milk. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella or Colby Jack, salt, 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, sprinkle evenly over the top, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
Try mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for added flavor and texture.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.

Storage

Store any leftovers 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 with a cover for quicker reheating, though the crust may soften.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish in a white oval casserole with red handles. The top layer is a golden-brown crumb crust sprinkled evenly with herbs and bits of toasted cheese, giving it a crunchy texture. Below the crust, there is a bright yellow layer of pasta, slightly visible through some gaps, likely creamy and cheesy inside. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with warm light highlighting the crispy texture and glossy edges of the casserole. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well and hold the cheese sauce nicely.

How do I prevent my mac and cheese from being too dry?

Make sure not to overbake it and use enough cheese sauce to keep the pasta moist. Adding an extra splash of milk before baking can also help maintain creaminess.