Old-fashioned baked mac and cheese is a classic pasta dish that’s creamy and packed with cheese. This popular side dish is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve alongside these easy air fryer Brussels sprouts and cheesy garlic bread.
This baked mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest—simple, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy. Made with classic ingredients like macaroni, cheddar cheese, and a breadcrumb topping, it’s the ultimate cosy meal.
The rich, cheesy sauce perfectly coats each piece of macaroni, making every bite irresistibly creamy and flavorful!
Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cosy night in, this baked mac and cheese is sure to become a family favourite. It’s rich, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe can be enjoyed as a main dish or a hearty side dish. It will deliver that warm, nostalgic taste that only homemade old fashioned baked mac and cheese can provide.
Looking for more simple pasta dishes? You’ll love this quick Gnocchi With Pesto Sauce or this easy Cheesy Baked Rigatoni!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
The printable recipe card below has the full ingredients list and instructions.
- Macaroni – the classic pasta for mac and cheese! You can use penne, shells, or rotini if you don’t have macaroni.
- Butter – adds richness to the sauce.
- Flour – helps thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy texture. Gluten-free flour can work here too.
- Milk – makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Whole milk is best, but any milk works.
- Paprika – adds a mild, smoky flavour. Smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne can add extra depth to this dish.
- Cheddar Cheese – gives that sharp, cheesy flavour. Swap with Gruyère or mozzarella if you like.
- Breadcrumbs – adds a golden, crunchy topping. Panko breadcrumbs are great. I used homemade sourdough breadcrumbs.
How To Make Baked Mac And Cheese
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) . Grease a 9×13 inch pan. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil on the stovetop.
Step 2: Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Step 3: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour until it becomes frothy.
Step 4: Add the paprika, salt and pepper and whisk to combine.
Step 5: Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk as you blend it with the flour and butter mixture. The sauce will start to thicken, which will take about 10 minutes. Keep whisking to prevent the sauce from burning. Once thick, remove from the heat.
Step 6: Stir half the cheese into the sauce.
Step 7: Add the macaroni pasta to the sauce.
Step 8: Mix to combine.
Step 9: Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
Step 10: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the mac and cheese is hot and bubbly.
How To Store
At Room Temperature – Baked mac and cheese is best served fresh, but it can be left at room temperature for up to two hours if you’re serving guests.
Refrigerate – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven to bring back some of its original creamy and crispy texture.
Freeze – To keep for longer, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 180°C (350°F) until hot and bubbly.
Baked Mac And Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 350 g uncooked macaroni pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 cups cheddar cheese
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180℃ (350℉). Grease a 9×13 inch pan. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil on the stovetop.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour until it becomes frothy.
- Add the paprika, salt and pepper and whisk to combine.
- Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk as you blend it with the flour and butter mixture. The sauce will start to thicken, which will take about 10 minutes. Keep whisking to prevent the sauce from burning. Once thick, remove from the heat.
- Stir half the cheese into the sauce.
- Add the macaroni pasta to the sauce.
- Mix to combine.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the mac and cheese is hot and bubbly.
I tried this recipe and unfortunately it was quite dry. I added broccoli and 1 red scotch bonnet chilli to add fibre and a kick to the meal.
I will try again…
Thank you for providing this and will be trying other recipes x
Hi Deppa, Thanks so much for trying the recipe! Unfortunately, adding broccoli to the mac & cheese will absorb extra moisture as it cooks, making the dish dry. If you try it again with broccoli, you could slightly increase the milk or cheese sauce to keep it creamy as my recipe does not include this. Thanks, Makyla