Golden, gooey, and baked to perfection—this is comfort food that never fails.

Baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort dish—creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a lightly crisp golden top. Whether you’re feeding kids, serving it as a holiday side, or just craving a nostalgic bite, this oven-baked version delivers every time. It’s simple, reliable, and oh-so satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Creamy interior with a crispy cheese top
• Crowd-pleaser for all ages
• Customizable with cheeses and toppings
• Great as a main or side

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until the mixture thickens (5–7 minutes).
5. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and paprika until melted.
6. Combine cheese sauce with macaroni and pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Top with breadcrumbs if using.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips & Substitutions

• Add a pinch of mustard powder or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for depth
• Swap in Gruyère, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack for cheese variety
• Add cooked bacon, roasted garlic, or spinach for a twist
• Skip breadcrumbs for a smoother top layer or mix them with melted butter for extra crunch

Storage & Reheating

• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat in oven or microwave; add a splash of milk to restore creaminess
• Freezes well in individual portions

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted veggies, fried chicken, or salad
• Makes a perfect potluck or holiday side
• Pair with tomato soup for a nostalgic combo

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.

Did You Try This Recipe?

Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag @comfortdishesofficial to show off your cheesy masterpiece!