Cheesy Baked Macaroni

Here’s a deliciously comforting and easy Cheesy Baked Macaroni recipe — creamy, cheesy, golden-topped, and always a hit. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or a main course, it’s classic comfort food done right.

🧀 Cheesy Baked Macaroni

Creamy inside. Crispy golden cheese on top. Simple & satisfying.

✅ Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

🧂 For the Pasta:

1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni
Salted water (for boiling)

🧀 For the Cheese Sauce:

4 tbsp butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
1 cup heavy cream (or use more milk if preferred)
2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella (or Monterey Jack, optional)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste

🧀 For Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar or cheese blend
Optional: ¼ cup breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter (for crunch)

🥣 Instructions

1. Cook the Macaroni

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions).
Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer 4–5 minutes until thickened.
Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Lower heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.

3. Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.

4. Assemble & Bake

Pour the cheesy macaroni into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle with additional cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness, if desired.

5. Serve Hot

Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked mac & cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk.

🔄 Variations

Add cooked bacon, ham, or chicken for extra protein.
Mix in broccoli, spinach, or sautéed onions for a veggie boost.
Use a mix of cheeses like Gouda, Fontina, or Gruyère for gourmet flavor.
Make it spicy with pepper jack cheese or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Would you like a stovetop-only version, kid-friendly version, or a vegan dairy-free variation next?