Easy Baked Mac and Cheese (Creamy + Crispy Topping)
Why This Is the Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate baked mac and cheese, this is it—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with comfort in every bite. What sets this recipe apart? It’s the perfect balance between a smooth, velvety interior and that golden, crispy topping everyone fights over. Whether you’re making it as a side dish for the holidays or as a comfort food main dish on a chilly night, this baked version is here to deliver.
Creamy Interior + Crispy Topping = Ultimate Comfort
Unlike stovetop versions, baked mac and cheese offers that crave-worthy contrast: soft pasta wrapped in melted cheese and topped with a golden layer of toasted goodness. It’s cozy, filling, and downright nostalgic.
Plus, this recipe is fully customizable. Want that southern baked mac and cheese recipe you grew up with? Add more cheddar and ditch the breadcrumbs. Craving a super-creamy version with Velveeta? We’ve got a variation for that too.
This is your go-to for:
- Family dinners
- Holiday spreads
- Potlucks
- Lazy Sunday cravings
It’s everything comfort food should be—and then some.
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese (Creamy + Crispy Topping)
Ingredients for Perfect Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
This recipe keeps it classic with a rich, cheesy base and oven-baked finish. You can keep it simple or go all-out Southern style, depending on your comfort cravings.
Base Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni – or substitute cavatappi or shells for a twist
- Unsalted butter – to start your roux
- All-purpose flour – thickens the cheese sauce
- Whole milk + heavy cream – creates a silky, rich texture
- Shredded cheese blend – sharp cheddar is the star, but mix it up (more on that below)
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder – flavor foundation
- Optional: Ground mustard or smoked paprika for depth
Velveeta or Not? Why It Works for Creaminess
If you’re craving that ultra-creamy texture, Velveeta is your friend. While purists may argue for using only freshly shredded cheeses, Velveeta:
- Melts like a dream
- Gives that iconic gooey pull
- Balances out sharper cheeses like cheddar
Use a mix: cheddar + mozzarella + Velveeta = creamy, stretchy, rich.
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Choosing the Right Pasta
Classic elbow macaroni is ideal because it holds sauce well and bakes evenly. But if you’re looking to elevate:
- Try cavatappi for a fancier feel
- Use shells to trap pockets of cheese
- Gluten-free pasta works too—just undercook slightly before baking
Cheese Blend Tips (Cheddar, Mozzarella, Velveeta, More)
For best results, combine 2–3 cheeses:
- Sharp cheddar – bold flavor, good melt
- Mozzarella – stretch factor
- Velveeta – creamy texture
- Gouda, Monterey Jack, Gruyère – for deeper flavor profiles
Pro Tip: Always shred cheese yourself—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese (Creamy + Crispy Topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions Easy Baked Mac and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese recipe follows a simple process: cook the pasta, make the cheese sauce, combine, bake, and devour.
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Boil your elbow macaroni (or other pasta of choice) in salted water until al dente—about 1–2 minutes less than package directions.
Why? It continues to cook in the oven, and this prevents mushy mac.
Step 2: Make the Roux + Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan:
- Melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes (it should look like a paste).
- Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
- Let it thicken—this takes 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheeses (and Velveeta if using) until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional ground mustard or paprika.
This creamy roux-based sauce is what gives old fashioned baked mac and cheese its rich, homemade flavor.
Step 3: Combine + Transfer to Baking Dish
- Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Add Optional Topping
If you love that crispy golden top, sprinkle with:
- Panko or breadcrumbs + melted butter
- Extra cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes uncovered.
- The top should be golden and bubbling, but not overly dry.
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Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set.
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese (Creamy + Crispy Topping)
Customizations & Variations
One of the best things about this dish? You can make it your own. Whether you’re aiming for that rich southern baked mac and cheese recipe, adding extra creaminess with Velveeta, or turning it into a hearty main dish—these twists bring something extra to the table.
Southern-Style Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern-style versions are all about richness, egg-thickened custard, and plenty of cheese.
To make it southern:
- Use a blend of cheddar + Colby or Monterey Jack
- Add 1–2 beaten eggs into the cheese sauce before baking
- Skip breadcrumbs for a denser, chewier topping
- Bake a little longer (30–35 minutes) until fully set
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Using Velveeta for Extra Creaminess
Love your mac super creamy and melty? Velveeta’s got your back.
Why use Velveeta?
- It melts evenly and stays gooey longer
- Blends well with sharper cheeses for balance
- Kids (and nostalgic adults) love the texture
How to use it:
- Swap 1 cup of your cheese blend for Velveeta cubes
- Add it to the roux and melt until smooth before mixing in pasta
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Add Protein to Make It a Meal
Turn this side dish into a full-blown comfort food main with these easy add-ins:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken – mix it in before baking
- Diced ham – pairs beautifully with cheddar
These additions not only boost flavor, but also stretch leftovers for weekday lunches.
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese (Creamy + Crispy Topping)
Serving Suggestions
This dish fits any vibe—holiday table, Sunday dinner, or solo comfort meal. Here’s how to serve it:
As a Comfort Food Main Dish
Top with pulled pork or grilled chicken. Serve with:
- A green salad
- Roasted veggies
- Garlic bread
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As a Side Dish
Perfect for holidays or potlucks alongside:
- Baked ham or turkey
- BBQ ribs or fried chicken
- Green beans, slaw, or cornbread
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Storage, Reheating & Freezing Tips
How to Store
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers
- Good for 3–4 days in the fridge
How to Reheat
- Oven: Cover with foil, bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes
- Microwave: Add a splash of milk, reheat in 1-minute intervals
Can You Freeze Baked Mac and Cheese?
Yes! Freeze in individual portions or a whole tray (before or after baking).
- Wrap tightly in foil + plastic wrap
- Freeze up to 2 months
- Thaw in fridge, then reheat in oven for best texture
FAQ: Baking Time, Temperature, and How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
What’s the best cheese combo for baked mac and cheese?
Start with sharp cheddar, then add mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Velveeta for creaminess. Gruyère adds a rich, nutty kick.
How long do you bake mac and cheese at 350?
25–30 minutes, uncovered, until bubbly and golden. For a firmer, more set mac, bake closer to 35 minutes.
What’s the difference between baked and stovetop mac and cheese?
Baked is heartier with a firmer texture and crispy top. Stovetop is creamier and quicker, but doesn’t have that oven-finished magic.
Can I use Velveeta in baked mac and cheese?
Absolutely. It melts smoothly and makes the dish extra creamy. Combine it with sharper cheeses for best results.
Is baked mac and cheese better with breadcrumbs?
It depends on your preference! Breadcrumbs add crunch, but some love a cheese-only top. Try both and decide for yourself.
How do you make baked mac and cheese?
Boil pasta until al dente, then mix it with a creamy cheese sauce. Pour into a greased baking dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly.
How to bake mac and cheese?
Preheat your oven, then bake the assembled mac and cheese uncovered in a casserole dish at your preferred temperature (usually 350°F to 375°F) until golden and heated through.
What temperature to bake mac and cheese?
The most common temperature is 350°F (175°C), but some recipes call for 375°F for a crispier topping, or 400°F for a shorter cook time with quicker browning.
How long to bake mac and cheese?
25 to 35 minutes, depending on the oven temperature. Bake until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
How long to bake mac and cheese at 350?
25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) is ideal. Cover if you want a creamier top, or bake uncovered for a crispy topping.
How long to bake mac and cheese at 375?
20 to 25 minutes at 375°F works well—watch for bubbling edges and a golden top.
How long to bake mac and cheese at 400?
At 400°F, it usually takes 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the top to avoid over-browning.
How long should I bake mac and cheese?
The sweet spot is 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F, or adjust time slightly based on oven temp and desired crispiness.
How long do you bake mac and cheese?
Most recipes call for 25–35 minutes. Adjust based on oven temp and topping preferences.
How long to cook baked mac and cheese?
If you’ve pre-cooked the pasta and made the sauce, 25–30 minutes in the oven is all it takes to finish it.
How long should mac and cheese bake?
Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F if you like a classic balance of creaminess and crisp top.
How long do u bake mac and cheese?
25 to 30 minutes at a moderate temperature like 350°F. Uncover during baking for a golden top.
How to reheat baked mac and cheese?
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes
- Microwave: Add a splash of milk and heat in 60-second intervals
Reheating guide from The Kitchn
How to make a baked mac and cheese?
Cook pasta, make a roux-based cheese sauce, mix together, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese or crumbs, and bake at 350°F until bubbly.
How long bake mac and cheese?
Bake for 25–35 minutes, depending on how crispy or creamy you want the top layer.
