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A bubbling dish of baked macaroni and cheese fresh from the oven

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This classic baked macaroni and cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and comforting dish with a crispy, golden-brown topping, perfect for any meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Dutch Oven (or heavy-bottomed pot)
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Small Bowl

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 1 pound Elbow macaroni or another small pasta shape like shells, cavatappi

Cheese Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 4 cups Whole milk warmed slightly
  • 4 cups Sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated (about 1 pound)
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese freshly grated (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper or to taste

Topping (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Extra butter melted

Instructions
 

Prep the Pasta

  • Cook macaroni al dente in a large pot of salted boiling water, then drain and set aside without rinsing.

Make the Roux

  • Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a large pot, then whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes until a smooth roux forms.

Build the Sauce

  • Gradually whisk warmed milk into the roux until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Add Flavor and Cheese

  • Remove from heat, stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then gradually add grated cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until smooth and melted.

Combine and Bake

  • Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.

Prepare for Baking

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, and pour in the macaroni and cheese mixture.

Add Topping (Optional)

  • Toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.

Bake to Perfection

  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden-brown; broil briefly if needed for extra browning.

Rest and Serve

  • Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

For an extra deep flavor, consider using sharp cheddar and a touch of smoked paprika. Don't overcook your pasta in the initial step, as it will continue to cook in the oven.