Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy comfort food at its best, and it’s easier to make than you might think. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together for a dish that feels special.

• Rich and creamy texture—thanks to a smooth cheese sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
• Golden, crispy topping—a buttery breadcrumb crust adds the perfect crunch to each bite.
• Easy to customize—add bacon, jalapeños, or extra cheese to make it your own.

Recipe

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistible. This baked version adds a crispy breadcrumb topping for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
3. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
5. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes:

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
• Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour if needed.

Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6

Nutrition

This baked mac and cheese recipe is a comforting classic, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Below is a breakdown of the key nutrients per serving.

What To Serve With It

When I make baked mac and cheese, I love balancing its richness with something fresh, like a crisp side salad or roasted veggies. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders, or you can try roasted broccoli or garlicky green beans for a heartier option. These pairings add color and texture to the meal, making it feel complete.

Side Salad Options

If you’re looking for something fresh to balance out the rich, cheesy goodness of baked mac and cheese, a side salad is the perfect choice. I love tossing mixed greens with light, tangy salad dressings like lemon vinaigrette or balsamic. Adding crunchy toppings, like croutons or toasted nuts, gives it extra texture. It’s a simple way to round out the meal without overpowering the star dish.

Vegetable Pairings

Even though baked mac and cheese is a comfort food favorite, I always like to add some veggies to the mix for a bit of balance and color. Roasted seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash, bring sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese. Steamed broccoli or sautéed kale add freshness, while flavor combinations like garlicky spinach or caramelized onions take it to the next level. Yum!