Introduction

This easy baked mac and cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in every bite. With a simple homemade cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a classic dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cups)
2 cups milk*
1/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces
3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Step 2: Cook macaroni according to package directions, then drain and return it to the pot it was cooked in.
Step 3: While the macaroni cooks, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until well mixed.
Step 4: Give the milk mixture one more good shake, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
Step 5: Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
Step 6: Stir in the butter and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired.
Step 7: Transfer the macaroni and cheese into a 2-quart baking dish. Evenly top with the remaining cup of cheese, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top, and spray with cooking spray.
Step 8: Bake until the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs turn lightly browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk for a creamier sauce, or substitute part of the Cheddar with mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
For a crunchy twist, add crushed cooked bacon or sliced jalapeños on top before baking.
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well as a topping.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. While sharp Cheddar provides a classic flavor, you can substitute or combine with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella for different textures and tastes.

Do I need to pre-cook the macaroni?

Yes, cooking the macaroni first ensures it is tender and can absorb the cheese sauce properly. Follow package instructions for best results.

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 130 reviews

This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy homemade comfort food classic with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Simple ingredients including macaroni, sharp Cheddar cheese, and a homemade cheese sauce come together quickly on the stovetop before finishing in the oven for a golden, bubbly crust.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cup)

Cheese Sauce

2 cups milk
1/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces
3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and return them to the pot used for cooking.
Mix Milk and Flour: While the macaroni cooks, combine 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup of flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until completely mixed and smooth.
Add Milk Mixture: Shake the milk mixture one more time to ensure it’s well blended, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
Cook Cheese Sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and just reaches a simmer. Be careful not to overcook; remove immediately from heat once thickened.
Stir in Butter and Cheese: Add the 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until melted and well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese on top. Then, sprinkle 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
Add Cooking Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the breadcrumb topping with cooking spray to help it brown and crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Notes

Use whole milk or 2% milk for creamier sauce.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the cheese sauce.
To make it gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Watch the sauce closely as it thickens to prevent it from burning or curdling.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, baked pasta dish, comfort food recipe