Baked Cheddar Macaroni with Toasted Breadcrumb Topping

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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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