Dinner

Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByCleo Brixton February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

Introduction

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. This baked version features a creamy cheese sauce combined with tender elbow macaroni and a crispy breadcrumb topping for the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

A white oval ceramic dish filled with a baked casserole topped with a golden brown crumb layer that looks crispy and slightly uneven, with small bits of green herbs or vegetables scattered on top. The casserole surface shows a mixture of warm yellow and light brown colors with a slightly rough texture. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a soft focus background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 cups water
8 oz. elbow macaroni
1 Tbsp. + ½ tsp. salt
7 Tbsp. butter, divided
4 Tbsp. all purpose flour
1 and ½ cups half and half
½ tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. black pepper
8 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese
4 oz. shredded Colby Jack cheese
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2: In a large pot, bring the water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: While the pasta is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Step 4: Whisk in the flour until fully incorporated and no lumps remain. Gradually add the half and half while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
Step 5: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper until combined. Add the shredded cheeses a handful at a time, whisking until melted. Pour in the cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a 4-quart casserole dish.
Step 7: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter until well coated.
Step 8: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta.
Step 9: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly. If the breadcrumbs brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.
Swap half and half with whole milk or heavy cream for a lighter or richer texture.
Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
For a crunchy topping twist, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a golden brown baked casserole. The top layer is a crispy, crumbly crust with light brown spots and some small green bits scattered on top. The casserole looks thick and creamy underneath the crust, with no other visible layers. The dish is placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with penne, shells, or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.