This classic baked mac and cheese with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb crust is absolutely delicious and comfort food at its best! Easy to make, with just 7 ingredients, this baked macaroni and cheese casserole is sure to satisfy!

Baked macaroni and cheese casserole with a spoonful being taken out

I am finally sharing a family classic recipe with you today.

My classic baked mac and cheese has tender pasta pieces coated in a deliciously creamy, cheesy sauce and is topped with a buttery breadcrumb crus that gets so crunchy.

Plus, it's just 7 ingredients too (or 6 if you use all cheddar cheese) so it's a simple one to make anytime!

This easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe is perfect for the cooler weather finally coming our way and a great addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter table. But really, I make this almost monthly.

Cause who can resist some warm, bubbly homemade mac and cheese?!

Not my family, I'll tell you that.

My kiddos especially. And my mom! I make this for my parents almost every time they come for dinner because she loves it so much.

OK, let's get cooking.

(Quick note, I do love how quick my easy stovetop mac and cheese. Such a quick fix for dinner on a busy night. And of course, crock pot mac and cheese is a great option for a hands-off version.)

Shell pasta and cheese sauce in a white casserole dish

Macaroni and cheese casserole with a breadcrumb topping before being baked

Crunchy baked macaroni and cheese in a casserole dish after finishing in the oven

Recipe Notes:

Pasta: I used a medium shell pasta or elbow macaroni for this recipe, but you can substitute other pasta types, just adjust the cook time as needed. Also, whole grain or regular pasta is fine.

Cheese: The recipe calls for half Gruyere cheese and half sharp cheddar cheese for the cheese. However, I've made this before with all cheddar and it was still delicious, so that's fine if it's all you have on hand. You can also throw in a little mozzarella.

Milk: I use 2% or skim milk for this recipe since that's what we always have in the fridge, but it would work great with whole milk as well. I've also used soy milk and that works great, too.

Rest time: As I mention in the recipe card, it helps to let the baked mac and cheese casserole sit for 5 minutes or so after it comes out of the oven. That'll help it set up all the way before you scoop it out and serve it.

Also, I should note this makes a lot! You could definitely halve the recipe and bake it in a one-quart baking dish or an 8x8 pan for a smaller group.

Close up of baked macaroni and cheese served on a white plate with a fork

I hope you give this a try for some seriously delicious, delightful and downright delectable baked macaroni and cheese.

Enjoy!

XO,

Kathryn

A baked macaroni and cheese casserole in a white baking dish with a buttery breadcrumb topping and a spoon resting in it.

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4.75 from 8 votes

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

This classic baked mac and cheese with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb crust is absolutely delicious and comfort food at its best! Easy to make, with just 7 ingredients!

Prep Time25

Cook Time20

Total Time45

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

1 (1 lb.) box macaroni or medium shell pasta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk of choice (skim, whole, 1% or soy)
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese (see notes)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a small handful of salt and add pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions, to the lowest cook time suggested. (For instance, if it says 9-11 minutes, cook for only 9 minutes.) Remove and drain pasta and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for one to two minutes, whisking constantly.
Slowly add in 2 cups milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
Add the Gruyere cheese and stir until melted. Add salt and pepper and stir again. Remove from heat and add cooked pasta. Stir well to coat all of the pasta and get everything combined.
Transfer the pasta and sauce to a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with the 3 tablespoons of melted butter and stir to combine.
Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture on top of the casserole. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let sit for 4-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cheese: I used a sharp white cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese for the cheeses in this recipe. You can use all sharp cheddar (regular or white are fine) if you'd prefer.

Make-ahead notes: You can cook the pasta, make the sauce, combine them and put it into the casserole ahead of time. Add the shredded cheese on top. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.

Bring the casserole out of the fridge as the oven preheats, to help it come to room temperature. Make the buttery breadcrumb mixture, spread it over the casserole and bake at 400 for 25-30 minutes (a little longer to help everything get nice and hot).

Reheating: You can reheat leftover single servings easily in the microwave, starting with about 45 seconds to a minute, then stirring and adding additional time until it’s nice and hot. The crunchy bits on top will be softer, but it’s still delicious. You can also reheat in a casserole dish in the oven but it takes longer to get really warmed through.

Freezing: Leftovers freeze great! Let them cool, then transfer to a freezer safe plastic bag or container, label it, and keep in the freezer for 4-5 months. Defrost it overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave or in a small casserole dish (details above). The crunchy breadcrumb topping will lose its crunchy, but it’s still delicious.

Video

Nutrition

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Looking for ways to have more mac and cheese in your life? I've got you.

In the fall, we adore this pumpkin baked mac and cheese with bacon and this kale and butternut squash mac and cheese for a yummy, comforting side dish.

And year round, make it an entire main dish dinner with this healthy chicken broccoli mac and cheese or this super fun and kid-friendly baked taco mac and cheese casserole.