Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping: Easy Dinner with real ingredients

Mac and cheese has a way of bringing people to the table. It is simple, warm, and nostalgic, yet it never feels out of place whether served on a casual weeknight or as part of a holiday spread.

This Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping is made the traditional way, using a creamy stovetop cheese sauce before being baked to golden perfection. It has everything people love about classic mac and cheese, but with a cleaner ingredient list and a richer homemade taste.

As a mother, I value meals that bring comfort without relying on processed ingredients. Many mac and cheese recipes depend on boxed cheese powder, cream soups, or processed cheese, but this recipe uses only real cheddar, Parmesan, milk, butter, and pasta.

The result is a dish that tastes homemade, feels satisfying, and still fits into a balanced family kitchen. The texture is creamy without being too heavy, and the golden baked surface gives it that familiar, cozy finish everyone looks forward to.

This Mac and Cheese recipe is designed to be simple enough for everyday cooking but special enough for gatherings. It includes an optional crispy breadcrumb topping that adds just the right contrast to the creamy pasta. The cheese flavor is mild and approachable for kids but can easily be adjusted to suit stronger preferences. Why This Recipe WorksRecipe Works

Why This Mac and Cheese Recipe Works

Creamy but sliceable texture
The sauce holds together beautifully thanks to a classic flour-based béchamel that prevents greasiness and keeps the cheese smooth.

Real ingredients, clean flavor
Made using cheddar and Parmesan only. No processed cheese, no artificial flavoring.

Family-friendly flavor
Mild enough for children, but still satisfying for adults. Extra cheese lovers can add more without changing the structure of the dish.

Golden baked topping
Optional crispy breadcrumb topping gives this recipe an elegant finish suitable for holiday meals.

Flexible and reliable
Works with most pasta shapes, reheats well, and can be prepared ahead of time.

For this Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping You’ll Need:

Ingredients and Estimated Cost

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Estimated Cost: 9 to 12 USD (depending on cheese quality)

Pasta

• 1 pound (450 g) short pasta of choice (elbows, shells, cavatappi, or penne)

Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 ¾ cups shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese (about 11 oz)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for color and depth)

Crispy Breadcrumb Topping (Optional but recommended)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a subtle savory depth and helps stabilize the sauce.
• Milk and Cream: A mix of whole milk and a little cream creates a creamy sauce that still sets nicely when baked.
• Pasta Choice: Any short pasta works. Elbows are traditional, shells trap cheese sauce well, and cavatappi gives a premium look and bite.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a lighter crunch, while regular breadcrumbs give a more traditional topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish (9×13 inches) with butter or olive oil.

Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside — do not rinse.

Make the béchamel base
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Add milk and cream
Gradually pour in the milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 4–5 minutes).

Add cheese and seasonings
Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. The sauce should be thick and creamy.

Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir gently until evenly coated. The sauce should cling to the pasta but still be creamy.

Transfer to baking dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula.

Add breadcrumb topping (optional but recommended)
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Rest and serve
Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. The sauce will set slightly, making it easy to serve neat portions.

Baking Tips

• For extra crisp topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely).
• Do not overbake, this will dry the pasta and make the cheese grainy.
• Always shred your own cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
• If making ahead, prepare up to step 6, cover, and refrigerate. Add topping and bake when ready.

Baked Mac and Cheese Guide: Variations, Storage, and Nutrition

Variations

Even though this recipe is a classic baked mac and cheese, it is flexible and easy to adapt:

• Extra Creamy Version
  Add an additional ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
• Cheese Boost
  Add ½ cup of Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a deeper flavor without making the sauce heavy.
• Herb Infusion
  Stir in ½ teaspoon of dried thyme or Italian herbs for a subtle aromatic touch.
• Spice Option
  Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes for a mild heat.

Topping Options

• Classic Panko Crunch
  Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for an airy, crispy topping.
• Buttery Cracker Crust
  Replace breadcrumbs with crushed Ritz-style crackers.
• Cheesy Topping
  Mix ½ cup of cheddar with the breadcrumbs for a more indulgent crust.
• No Topping
  Skip breadcrumbs entirely for a smooth baked top.

Serving Ideas

This baked mac and cheese works well as a main dish or side:

• Serve with roasted chicken, turkey breast, or baked salmon.
• Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a simple side salad.
• Add it to a holiday table alongside Roasted Potatoes or roasted vegetables.
• Works well in meal prep containers with a protein and a vegetable.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Prepare Ahead: Assemble the mac and cheese without baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Bake Later: Add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freeze Option: Assemble, cool, and freeze (unbaked) for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before baking.
• Reheat Leftovers: Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Best reheated in the oven. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent drying.

Nutrition Highlights (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 435
• Protein: 19 g
• Fat: 21 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Calcium: 340 mg
• Sodium: 480 mg

These values are estimates and will vary slightly depending on pasta type and cheese used.

Benefits of Clean Ingredients

This mac and cheese is prepared using real, simple ingredientsm: ilk, cheese, pasta, flour, and butter; without processed cheese or artificial flavor enhancers. By making a béchamel sauce from scratch, it avoids preservatives often found in packaged sauces. Parmesan cheese adds natural savory depth, while cheddar provides a familiar creamy comfort. This recipe proves that classic family-style comfort food can still be made with wholesome ingredients and clear, honest flavor.

This Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping is a dependable, family-style recipe that brings comfort to the table using simple, real ingredients. It is creamy without feeling heavy, made with a classic homemade cheese sauce instead of processed cheese, and finished with a golden baked topping that makes it ideal for family meals, gatherings, and holiday menus. Versatile and practical, it can be prepared ahead, reheated, and customized to fit both classic and modern kitchen styles.