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A steaming bowl of classic mac and cheese dinner with golden-brown topping

Classic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

This classic creamy baked macaroni and cheese features tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family meals or potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large pot
  • Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • small bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more for pasta water
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Topping

  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

  • Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a smooth, pale golden roux forms.
  • Gradually whisk in the warmed whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and gently simmers (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and all the Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Stir in dry mustard powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and 1 teaspoon of salt; adjust seasoning as needed.

Baking

  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stir to coat evenly, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
  • Combine Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a small bowl; sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Serving

  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to set before serving warm.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to your cheese sauce. If you prefer a milder mac and cheese, you can reduce the amount of sharp cheddar or substitute with a milder cheese like Colby Jack. To make ahead, assemble the mac and cheese without the topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping and bake, increasing the baking time by 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.