Classic Comfort Food Made Simple

This Easy and Delicious Baked Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, rich, and topped with a golden, buttery crust. It’s a no-fuss, family-favorite dish perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. With layers of tender elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety homemade cheese sauce, every bite is pure comfort.

Ingredients for Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Topping:

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for crunch)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup additional shredded cheddar (optional)

How to Make Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.

Add garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni. Add extra cheese if desired.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. For extra crunch, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch closely!

Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese

Ultra-creamy homemade cheese sauce
Golden, crispy topping
No processed cheese—100% real ingredients

Great for kids and adults
Easy to customize with mix-ins

Tasty Variations

Add bacon or diced ham for a meaty version

Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce
Mix in veggies like broccoli or spinach
Try different cheeses like Gruyère, Colby Jack, or smoked Gouda

Make it gluten-free with GF pasta and flour

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cheesy casserole with:

Roasted or grilled chicken

Green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Steamed vegetables

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy
Freeze unbaked mac and cheese (without topping) for up to 2 months

Final Thoughts

This Easy and Delicious Baked Macaroni and Cheese hits all the right notes—cheesy, creamy, crispy, and comforting. It’s a simple recipe with big flavor, sure to become your go-to for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving comfort food, this baked classic never disappoints.

Easy and Delicious Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) box Large elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon Salt or Chicken bouillon, for boiling water
2 tablespoons Butter, unsalted
2 cups Heavy cream
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Mustard powder
1 teaspoon Salt, adjust to taste
1 teaspoon Pepper, adjust to taste
2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Colby jack cheese, shredded
2 cups Monterey jack cheese, shredded
2 teaspoons Paprika, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Boil a large pot of water over medium heat, adding salt or chicken bouillon.
3. Add the elbow pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 7-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream.
5. Gradually add 1/4 cup of each shredded cheese to the butter-cream mixture, stirring until melted. If too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time.
6. Mix in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with 1/4 cup of each shredded cheese.
8. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and mix well.
9. Transfer half of the mixture to the baking dish, topping with more cheddar cheese. Add the remaining macaroni and cheese, then sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
10. Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it on a flat sheet tray. Bake for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning.
12. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!