Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hassle-free dinner that pleases the whole family?

This baked mac and cheese casserole transforms the traditional macaroni and cheese into a heartwarming meal.

Creamy macaroni enveloped in rich cheese sauce, topped with crunchy, buttery breadcrumbs, makes this an irresistible comfort food.

Perfect for lazy dinner nights or when you’re craving something cozy and indulgent.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Macaroni
   In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix well until the macaroni is fully coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole
   Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve
   Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance its richness.

For an extra cozy touch, serve with garlic bread or roasted asparagus.

Leftovers reheat beautifully—add a splash of milk and warm in the oven or microwave to restore its creamy texture.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 6
• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

This baked mac and cheese casserole is more than a meal—it’s a comforting experience.

Regardless if it’s freshly baked or reheated as leftovers, it’s a dish that invites you to savor every cheesy, golden bite.

See more easy dinner casserole recipes here!