Introduction

This easy baked mac and cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that’s perfect for any weeknight. With a simple milk and flour sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a classic everyone will love.

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Step 2: Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and return the macaroni to the pot it was cooked in.
Step 3: While the macaroni cooks, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well until fully mixed.
Step 4: Give the milk mixture another shake, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
Step 5: Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and just comes to a simmer. Remove immediately from heat.
Step 6: Stir in the butter and 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 7: Pour the macaroni and cheese into a 2-quart baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining cup of cheese. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top and spray with cooking spray.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are lightly browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Tips & Variations

For a richer sauce, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
Swap sharp Cheddar for a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables to the mixture before baking for extra texture and taste.
If you prefer a crunchier topping, mix the panko with a little melted butter before sprinkling.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk when reheating can help keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like shells, penne, or rotini can be used. Just be sure to adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Do I need to pre-cook the macaroni before baking?

Yes, cooking the macaroni beforehand ensures it is tender and properly cooked since the baking time is short and mainly melts the cheese and toasts the topping.

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 147 reviews

This easy baked mac and cheese recipe features creamy sharp Cheddar cheese sauce combined with tender macaroni noodles, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. A comforting classic made simple and delicious for any occasion.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cheese

8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cups)
2 cups milk
1/4 cup all-purpose 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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to get it ready for baking the mac and cheese at the end.
Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and return them to the original cooking pot.
Prepare Milk Mixture: While the macaroni cooks, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well mixed to create a smooth slurry.
Add Milk Mixture: Shake the milk and flour mixture once more, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni noodles.
Make Cheese Sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately to prevent scorching.
Incorporate Butter and Cheese: Stir in the butter pieces and 2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Top: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Lightly spray the breadcrumbs with cooking spray to help them brown.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp.

Notes

Use sharp Cheddar for best flavor, but feel free to mix different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variation.
For a richer sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of regular milk.
Make sure to stir the sauce continuously while heating to prevent lumps and sticking.
Try adding a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for extra depth.
Panko breadcrumbs can be replaced with regular breadcrumbs if needed, though panko yields a crunchier topping.
This dish is best served immediately after baking for optimal texture.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheddar mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food