The Best Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal, look no further than The Best Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. This dish combines creamy, dreamy cheese sauce with tender pasta and a perfectly golden, crunchy topping — all baked effortlessly in one dish. It’s the ultimate cozy classic that’s ready to warm your soul and impress anyone at your table.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Simple One-Dish Wonder: You toss everything together and bake — no stovetop fuss or multiple pots, making cleanup a breeze.
Rich and Creamy Flavor: A blend of whole milk, broth, and cheeses create a sauce that’s silky smooth and full of depth.
Perfectly Crispy Topping: The panko and parmesan crust bakes to a golden crunch that contrasts so wonderfully with the creamy pasta.
Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe hits all the right notes for kids and adults alike — cheesy comfort at its finest.

Ingredients & Substitutions

What makes The Best Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe truly magical is how straightforward, yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each element plays a role — from the hearty pasta shape that holds the sauce to the robust spices that give it character, and the dreamy cheeses that meld everything together beautifully.

• Cavatappi Pasta: This spiraled shape captures the cheesy sauce perfectly, but you can use elbow macaroni or shells if you prefer.
• Whole Milk & Broth: The milk lends creaminess, while broth adds a subtle depth, making the sauce richer and less one-dimensional.
• Grated Garlic & Spices: Fresh garlic combined with smoked paprika, black pepper, and ground mustard creates a savory flavor base that elevates the dish.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor or mild for a gentler taste; it’s the star of the cheesy sauce.
• Panko & Parmesan Topping: This combo adds a satisfying crunch and a nutty parmesan flavor that perfectly finishes the bake.

How to Make The Best Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Pasta Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your baking dish, combine the uncooked cavatappi pasta, whole milk, chicken or veggie broth, freshly grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything well. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed—this forms the creamy base for the mac and cheese without any stove-top fuss.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Butter

Once the pasta mixture has baked to creamy perfection, remove it from the oven and uncover. Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar and dot the surface with butter. Gently stir everything together until the cheese is completely melted into that warm, luscious sauce — it’s a cheesy dream coming to life right before your eyes!

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Crispy Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Spread this golden, aromatic topping evenly across the mac and cheese. Then pop the dish under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, watching closely until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and crackly. This crunchy layer adds such a delightful textural contrast to the silky pasta below.

How to Serve The Best Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

To add a fresh pop to your cheesy masterpiece, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top. You can also add a light drizzle of truffle oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gourmet touch that’s sure to surprise and delight your guests.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even some tangy coleslaw to balance its richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing combination.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, bake this mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personal portions with extra-crispy edges. You can also layer it in a clear casserole dish to showcase the inviting layers of creamy cheese and crunchy topping, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To keep the topping crisp, you might want to store it separately and add fresh breadcrumbs when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat your mac and cheese in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Removing the cover towards the end helps revive that crunchy topping. Alternatively, a microwave works for quick reheats but may soften the crust.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the cozy comfort of The Best Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe to brighten up any day. With just a handful of simple ingredients and effortless steps, you’ll have a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a loved favorite at your table!

The Best Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 323 reviews

• Author: Susan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked mac and cheese recipe featuring cavatappi pasta simmered in a flavorful milk and broth base, topped with a crunchy, golden panko parmesan crust. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Mac and Cheese

• 16 ounces cavatappi pasta or similar shape (uncooked)
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken OR veggie broth
• 6 cloves grated garlic
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, more or less to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, more or less to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 3 Tablespoons butter

Panko Parmesan Topping

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Combine Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a baking dish, combine the uncooked cavatappi pasta, whole milk, chicken or vegetable broth, grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Mix gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Bake Pasta Mixture: Cover the baking dish with foil or a lid to prevent drying out. Bake the mixture for 45 to 50 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook fully and absorb the flavorful liquid, creating a creamy sauce base.
3. Add Cheese and Butter: Remove the baking dish from the oven carefully. Add the shredded white cheddar cheese and butter to the hot pasta. Stir well until the cheese melts completely and incorporates into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
4. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly so the topping is evenly coated and ready to crisp.
5. Top and Broil: Evenly spread the panko parmesan mixture over the cheesy pasta. Place the baking dish under the broiler for 5 to 10 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

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Notes

• You can substitute cavatappi with elbow macaroni or shells if preferred.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Adjust the seasoning such as salt and pepper according to taste.
• Broil time may vary depending on your oven’s broiler strength; monitor closely to prevent burning.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.