Baked Mac and Cheese

This creamy baked mac and cheese is a pure comfort food with a gooey cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and a golden brown, crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s the perfect side dish for family dinners or potlucks.

For me, nothing beats a creamy homemade mac and cheese, baked to crispy perfection in the oven.

This classic dish features macaroni noodles enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crunchy panko layer. It’s my favorite way to add a little extra joy to any meal.

Why I love this recipe

• The cheese sauce is incredibly rich and smooth, making every bite feel indulgent.
• The combined sharp cheddar and Gruyère makes a both tangy and nutty—my absolute favorite cheese combo!
• It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but also special enough to serve with traditional dishes like roast turkey, whipped mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole for Thanksgiving or other holidays.

Ingredients

• elbow macaroni
• cheddar cheese
• Gruyère cheese
• unsalted butter
• all-purpose flour
• whole milk
• heavy cream
• smoked paprika
• salt and pepper
• panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese

Step by steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it and set it aside for later.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 stick of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking to avoid lumps, and cook until thickened (5-7 minutes). Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

1. Then, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) of butter. Once melted, mix in the panko breadcrumbs until they are well coated.
4. In a small bowl, combine the buttered panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

1. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
3. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Variations

Mix things up by adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to your creamy baked mac and cheese.

Try using different cheeses like mozzarella, colby jack, swiss, fontina, or Monterey Jack for a fresh take. A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of herbs can also add a unique touch to your dish as well.

Serving suggestions

• pair with baked pork chops, fried chicken, or steakhouse-style steak for a complete meal

Storage

Keep any leftover baked mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat single servings in the microwave, but the topping may lose its crispiness.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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