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.
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.
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.
For the Pasta
For the Cheese Sauce
For the Breadcrumb Topping
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
