Dinner

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByMarina Montclair January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

Introduction

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting classic that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top. This recipe combines a smooth cheese sauce with tender elbow macaroni, baked to bubbly perfection—ideal for a cozy family dinner or satisfying weeknight meal.

A baked macaroni and cheese dish in a white oval baking dish with red outer sides and handles is shown. The top layer is a golden-brown, crunchy breadcrumb crust with some herbs sprinkled throughout. Beneath the crispy topping, you can see creamy, yellow macaroni pasta with a smooth cheese sauce clinging to the curved pasta shapes. The white marbled texture surface surrounds the baking dish, and the background has a warm, cozy kitchen feel. 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.
Step 4: Slowly whisk in warm milk. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella or Colby Jack, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 6: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.
Mix in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like broccoli for added flavor and texture.
Try different cheese combinations like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.

Storage

Store 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 covered for a quicker option but softer crust.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked dish in a red oval ceramic baking dish with small handles on each side. The dish has three clear layers; the bottom layer is tender, slightly yellow pasta shaped in curls, the middle layer is creamy and cheesy in light yellow with smooth texture, and the top layer is a golden brown crumb topping with crunchy, toasted bits and some green herb specks evenly spread. The edges of the baking dish show some baked-on sauce remnants. The whole setup is resting on a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free pasta can be used in the same quantity. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions as cooking times may vary.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out when baking?

Using warm milk when making the cheese sauce helps it stay creamy. Also, avoid overbaking—remove it as soon as the top is golden and bubbly to keep moisture inside.