Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumbs is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and finished with a golden, crispy topping that adds irresistible texture. This beloved dish has its roots in European pasta-and-cheese traditions and became a staple in American cuisine thanks to its rich flavor and comforting nature.
What makes this recipe special is the balance between the silky cheese sauce and the crisp, buttery breadcrumbs baked on top. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish and versatile enough to be a side for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this baked macaroni and cheese recipe because it delivers comfort in every bite. The creamy cheese sauce coats the pasta perfectly, while the breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. It’s nostalgic, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, it never loses its comforting appeal.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because it combines simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, baked mac and cheese is a timeless recipe everyone should have in their collection.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Course / Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- Salt, for boiling water
For the Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Directions
Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook briefly. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until smooth and thick. Stir in cheeses and seasonings.
Assemble and Bake
Combine pasta and sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Cook macaroni until just tender; drain well.
Step 3: Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and whisk for 1 minute.
Step 4: Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened.
Step 5: Stir in shredded cheeses, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce and spread into baking dish.
Step 7: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan; sprinkle on top.
Step 8: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
How to Serve
Serve baked macaroni and cheese hot from the oven. It pairs beautifully with green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. As a side dish, it complements roasted meats, barbecue, or holiday spreads.
Recipe Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting
- Do not overcook pasta—it will continue cooking in the oven
- For extra crunch, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end
- Let it rest 5 minutes before serving for cleaner slices
Variations
Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Add Parmesan, Gouda, or Fontina for deeper flavor.
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
Spicy Mac and Cheese
Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Vegetable Mac and Cheese
Mix in broccoli, spinach, or roasted cauliflower.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Freezing and Storage
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze baked or unbaked mac and cheese for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of milk.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Mixing spoon
Conclusion
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumbs is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, creamy, and topped with irresistible crunch. Whether served as a cozy family dinner or a festive side, this classic recipe never disappoints. Easy to customize and universally loved, it’s a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction to every table.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
Description
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumbs is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and finished with a golden, crispy topping that adds irresistible texture. This beloved dish has its roots in European pasta-and-cheese traditions and became a staple in American cuisine thanks to its rich flavor and comforting nature.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
For the Cheese Sauce
For the Breadcrumb Topping
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta : Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Make the Cheese Sauce : Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook briefly. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until smooth and thick. Stir in cheeses and seasonings.
-
Assemble and Bake : Combine pasta and sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly.
