Baked Cheddar Macaroni with Toasted Breadcrumb Topping

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, baked macaroni dish with a golden, crunchy topping, featuring a smooth cheese sauce made from scratch. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, whole milk, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1/2 tsp salt and 12 oz elbow macaroni, then cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk until smooth, then cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until melted and smooth.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained macaroni to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  7. Step 7: Mix 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup grated parmesan in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
  8. Step 8: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cheddar Macaroni with Toasted Breadcrumb Topping take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cheddar Macaroni with Toasted Breadcrumb Topping?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cheddar Macaroni with Toasted Breadcrumb Topping?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cheddar Macaroni with Toasted Breadcrumb Topping for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Cheddar Macaroni with Toasted Breadcrumb Topping?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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