Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Homemade baked macaroni and cheese is pure comfort food, just like grandma used to make. This baked mac and cheese recipe is easy to make and uses a delicious homemade creamy cheese sauce and is topped with crunchy bread crumbs. I’ll show you how to make good old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese that’s a true classic!

Why this recipe works

Everyone remembers “momma’s” homemade, old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese. Topped with crunchy bread crumbs and filled with creamy, cheesy elbow macaroni noodles. Comfort food at its finest, mac and cheese is a family favorite that every loves.

We totally agree and decided it was time to share our grandma’s baked mac and cheese recipe. This recipe is easy to make and the results are positively amazing. We top ours with bread crumbs, but you can simply leave them off if you prefer. But it wouldn’t really be old fashioned mac and cheese without those crunchy little gems!

RELATED – our Panera Mac and Cheese is the bomb!

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BUTTER – Salted or unsalted is fine, you can even substitute margarine if you like.

MILK – We like to use whole milk as it really helps with the creamy texture, but you can use skim, 1% or 2% instead.

HEAVY CREAM – I urge you not to substitute this if you can avoid it, it really helps to create a creamy mac and cheese!

CHEESE – We think that the combination of extra sharp cheddar cheese and Colby Jack cheese tastes the best, but if you have favorites by all means, use them! We also grate our own cheese as the bagged shredded cheese has an anti-caking agent on it that can make your mac and cheese grainy.

SEASONINGS – We use salt and pepper to taste in our cheese sauce, and paprika to season the bread crumbs.

PANKO BREAD CRUMBS – You can use regular bread crumbs, but they are usually much smaller, almost a dust. Panko are crunchier and bigger and just darn delicious.

How to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 13×9 pan with cooking spray. Put cooked macaroni in pan.
2. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt butter. When butter has melted whisk in flour and cook about 30 seconds, whisking continuously.
3. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream.
4. Add in cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour cheese mixture evenly over macaroni.
7. In a small bowl combine bread crumbs and paprika. Sprinkle over macaroni.
8. Lightly Spray bread crumb topping with cooking spray oil, this will help it stay crispy.
9. Bake for about 20 minutes until the macaroni and cheese is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
10. Serve warm!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Store cooled leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Yes, you can make it the day before. However, mac and cheese is always best when made fresh. The longer the noodles sit, the more they absorb the surrounding liquid. If you do make it ahead of time, combine all ingredients in the baking dish then cover and refrigerate. Wait to sprinkle on the panko topping until just before baking. Let the dish sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before placing it in the oven. (It might need about 5 extra minutes of baking time.)

Serving Suggestions

This baked macaroni and cheese recipe is a wonderful choice for potlucks and parties as it serves 8 people as a meal and even more as a side dish.

I hope you enjoy this delicious family recipe for easy baked macaroni and cheese. The homemade cheese sauce is the absolute best and creates a deliciously, creamy end result. Enjoy!

More Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
• Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
• Rotini, Peas and Cheese
• Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
• Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

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