Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting classic that combines creamy cheese sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This simple recipe comes together quickly and makes a perfect side or main dish for any occasion.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain and return them to the pot they were cooked in.
3. Step 3: While the macaroni is cooking, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well until fully mixed.
4. Step 4: Give the milk mixture one more good shake, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
5. Step 5: Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and just comes to a simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
6. Step 6: Stir in the butter and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
7. Step 7: Pour the macaroni and cheese into a 2-quart baking dish. Spread the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top, then sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs. Spray the breadcrumbs lightly with cooking spray.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown, about 7–10 minutes.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream.
• Try adding cooked bacon or sautéed onions to the cheese sauce for added flavor.
• Swap sharp cheddar with a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different twist.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour if you need a gluten-free version.

Storage

Store any leftover baked mac and cheese 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 keep the topping crispy, or microwave with a cover to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese and refrigerate it before baking. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, any short pasta like shells, elbow, or cavatappi works well in this recipe.

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 58 reviews

This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a comforting, creamy twist on a classic favorite. Cooked macaroni noodles are combined with a rich, cheesy sauce made from scratch, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a main dish or a hearty side, this recipe delivers deliciously melty cheddar cheese with a delightful crunchy topping in under 30 minutes.

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

Ingredients

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Macaroni and Sauce

• 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

Topping

• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare it for baking the mac and cheese later.
2. Cook macaroni: Boil the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
3. Mix milk and flour: In a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup flour, and shake vigorously until well mixed.
4. Add milk mixture to macaroni: Shake the milk and flour mixture once more to ensure it’s combined, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
5. Cook sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously as the sauce thickens and starts to simmer. Remove immediately from heat once simmering.
6. Finish cheese sauce: Stir in the butter and 2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Prepare for baking: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Next, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the cheese and lightly spray the top with cooking spray to help it brown.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs have turned a light golden brown.

Notes

• Use sharp Cheddar cheese for a deeper, tangier flavor.
• For a creamier sauce, use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream.
• Keep stirring the sauce continuously to avoid lumps and burning.
• You can substitute panko with regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a lighter crunch.
• For a richer crust, toss panko with a little melted butter before sprinkling.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheddar mac and cheese, comfort food, baked pasta, cheesy casserole