If you’ve ever craved that perfect comforting dish, creamy and cheesy but with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, then you’re in for a treat. I’m sharing my absolute favorite Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe that has never failed to wow my family and friends. This recipe is all about ultra creamy cheese sauce, the perfect pasta texture, and a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust that makes everyone ask for seconds. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Sauce: Made from scratch using warm milk and freshly shredded cheese that melts perfectly.
Crunchy, Buttery Topping: Panko breadcrumbs tossed with butter create a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the sauce.
Pasta That Holds Its Shape: Tossing cooked macaroni in butter stops it from getting soggy or bloated as it bakes.
Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe stays creamy even after baking, so it’s ideal for serving a crowd.

A black bowl holds creamy macaroni and cheese with small tube-shaped pasta covered in a thick white cheese sauce. On top, there is a golden-brown crunchy layer of toasted crumbs with some small green herb pieces sprinkled throughout. A silver spoon is inside the bowl on the right side, resting in the cheese sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and the texture of the pasta is soft and smooth with some crispy topping contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, cheesy baked mac n cheese, creamy baked pasta, crunchy topping macaroni

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an important role in the ultimate texture and flavor of this baked mac and cheese. I always recommend using freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce, and warm milk to help things melt evenly.

Flat lay of elbow macaroni pasta scattered beside three whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with plain all-purpose flour, a handful of fresh shredded gruyere cheese, freshly shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded Colby cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden unsalted butter cubes, another small white ceramic bowl with melted butter, a small mound of light golden panko breadcrumbs, and a tiny white ceramic dish holding mixed fine powders of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder, all placed 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, baked mac and cheese recipe, cheesy baked mac n cheese, creamy baked pasta, crunchy topping macaroni

Macaroni: Elbow pasta is classic here because its curves trap that creamy cheese sauce just right.
Unsalted Butter: I use it both in the sauce and to toss the pasta for creaminess and to prevent sticking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give you that all-important crunchy topping. I love using panko over regular breadcrumbs for texture.
Flour (plain or all-purpose): This helps thicken the cheese sauce into that silky consistency.
Milk (low or full fat, warmed): Warm milk blends better, avoiding lumps in your sauce.
Cheese (Gruyere, Cheddar, Colby, Mozzarella): A mix of cheeses adds depth – Gruyere gives a nutty touch; cheddar and Colby bring sharpness and creaminess.
Salt and Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder): These seasonings add layers of flavor without overpowering the cheese.

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 that this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a fantastic blank canvas — it’s simple to adjust based on what you’ve got or your dietary needs, and still turns out scrumptious every time.

Adding Bacon or Ham: My family goes crazy when I toss in crispy bacon bits before baking – it adds a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Vegetarian Boost: Mixing in steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower makes it feel a bit more wholesome without losing that indulgent texture.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour for gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs—the sauce thickens just as nicely!
Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne or chili flakes adds a fun pop of heat that surprises guests in the best way.

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Butter Your Macaroni

Start by cooking your elbow macaroni just shy of al dente (about a minute less than package instructions). I discovered that tossing the drained pasta with a tablespoon of unsalted butter at this stage is a game-changer — it keeps the pasta from sticking together and from bloating during baking, which made a huge difference in texture for me.

Step 2: Make a Rich, Creamy Cheese Sauce

This part is where the magic happens. Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour to form a roux, and cook it gently until it’s golden and smooth—no lumps! Slowly whisk in the warm milk to avoid clumps, then add your special cheese blend. I love gruyere for that nutty flavor, with cheddar and Colby giving classic richness. Make sure you grate your own cheese – it melts better and your sauce won’t turn grainy like pre-shredded store-bought cheese can sometimes do.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Stir your buttery macaroni into the cheese sauce gently but completely. This is your creamy core. Season it here with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder – these little extras lift the cheesy flavor beautifully without overwhelming it.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping and Bake

Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt to coat them evenly. This is what gives that golden crust with a lovely crunch. Spread the mac and cheese in your baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumb mix all over, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell out-of-this-world!

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Butter-Tossed Pasta: This keeps your macaroni perfectly tender and stops it from swelling up or sticking in the sauce during baking.
Warm Your Milk: Adding warm milk to the roux prevents lumps and creates the smoothest sauce possible — I learned this the hard way on my first try!
Freshly Shred Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese includes anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy, so take a moment to grate it yourself for silky results.
Don’t Skip the Baking: The crunchy top contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese underneath; baking also thickens the sauce just right without drying it out.

How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

A close-up shows a spoon lifting a creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese from a white bowl, with long, thin strings of melted cheese stretching down to the bowl. The macaroni is coated in a smooth, light yellow cheese sauce with small green herb bits mixed in. The top layer is golden brown and slightly crispy, adding texture contrast to the soft and creamy pasta beneath. The photo is set against a soft, neutral background that highlights the dish's rich, inviting colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, cheesy baked mac n cheese, creamy baked pasta, crunchy topping macaroni

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right after it comes out of the oven — it adds a pop of color and a mild fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I go for a touch of smoked paprika for a gentle smoky note.

Side Dishes

This baked mac and cheese pairs beautifully with simple green salads or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. It’s also fantastic alongside barbecued meats or crispy fried chicken for a complete meal that’s sure to please.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this recipe in individual ramekins – it makes serving easier and looks super fancy at the table. Or try layering it with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a double crusted mac and cheese that feels indulgent and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion mine out right after cooling so it’s easy to reheat one serving without heating the whole batch.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this baked mac and cheese successfully by letting it cool completely, then covering tightly with foil and freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight and then bake until warmed through and crisped on top again.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to refresh that golden topping. You’ll get almost like fresh-baked goodness every time.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use other short pasta shapes like shells, penne, or cavatappi. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid mushy pasta and keep the same butter-toss step to prevent sticking.
Is it necessary to grate cheese fresh for this recipe?

Yes, grating your own cheese from blocks makes a huge difference in texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can cause the sauce to be grainy or powdery. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and creates a creamier sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the mac and cheese, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How do I prevent the baked mac and cheese from drying out?

Tossing the pasta in butter before mixing with the sauce is key—it stops the pasta from swelling and drying out. Also, baking at the right temperature and keeping an eye on it helps maintain that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe turns out every single time — it’s the kind of comfort food that feels both nostalgic and elevated. The crunchy top and creamy cheesy interior is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the tricks I’ve shared make it easy to nail. I hope you’ll give it a try soon, whether for a family dinner or when you need a little cozy indulgence. You’re going to love pulling this golden casserole out of the oven, trust me!