Classic Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

About

A creamy, comforting baked macaroni and cheese made with a simple cheddar béchamel sauce and finished with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a budget-friendly weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

1. 1

   Preheat the Oven

   preheat 10 min

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow at least 10 minutes for the oven to come fully up to temperature before baking. While the oven preheats, begin boiling water for the pasta in step 2.

2. 2

   Boil the Pasta

   cook 10 min

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions (about 6–7 minutes) so the pasta is just under al dente — it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain through a colander and set aside. While the pasta cooks, begin the cheese sauce in step 3.

3. 3

   Make the Béchamel Sauce

   cook 6 min

   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once foaming subsides, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells nutty. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

4. 4

   Add Cheese and Seasonings

   cook 2 min

   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy, about 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. 5

   Combine Pasta and Sauce

   prep 2 min

   Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece of pasta is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

6. 6

   Add Breadcrumb Topping

   prep 2 min

   In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with the olive oil and a pinch of salt until evenly moistened. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese to form a uniform crust.

7. 7

   Bake Until Golden

   cook 25 min

   Transfer the baking dish to the preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the breadcrumb topping is deep golden brown and the edges of the mac and cheese are bubbling. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F to ensure everything is piping hot throughout.

8. 8

   Rest Before Serving

   rest 5 min

   Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest on a heatproof surface for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly so portions hold together when scooped.

9. 9

   Serve

   serve

   Scoop generous portions into bowls or onto plates. Serve immediately while the cheese sauce is still creamy and the topping is crisp.