Mac and Cheese Recipe

Rich, creamy, and perfectly cheesy this mac and cheese recipe is the comfort food everyone craves. Whether you’re looking for a simple mac and cheese recipe for a weeknight dinner or a baked mac and cheese recipe for holidays and gatherings, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. With its silky cheese sauce, tender pasta, and golden Panko-Parmesan crust, this truly is the best mac and cheese recipe you’ll ever make.

Loved by both kids and adults, this creamy baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate balance of texture and taste crispy on top, gooey inside, and packed with cheesy goodness in every bite. Find more healthy and tasty Mac and Cheese Recipe ideas here.

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni (or any tubular pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or evaporated milk)
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Swiss, for a milder flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Crispy Topping:

• 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions / How to Cook

• Preheat the Oven:
  Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish and set aside.
• Cook the Pasta:
  Boil macaroni in salted water until it’s one minute shy of al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and toss lightly to prevent sticking.
• Make the Cheese Sauce:
  In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute until golden and bubbly. Slowly whisk in cold milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue whisking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the Cheese:
  Stir in cheddar and Gruyère cheese, one handful at a time, until melted and creamy. The sauce should be thick and silky — this is your creamy mac and cheese base!
• Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is well-coated.
• Layer and Top:
  Pour half the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with some extra shredded cheese, then add the remaining mac and cheese.
• Prepare the Topping:
  In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
• Bake:
  Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
• Serve:
  Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Pro Tip: For a stovetop mac and cheese recipe, skip the baking step and serve straight from the pan for a smooth, ultra-creamy finish.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 large 3-quart casserole dish