Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar
A rich and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese featuring sharp cheddar and a golden breadcrumb topping, perfect for soul food dinners. This Southern-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 8, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 6 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a light roux.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 4 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all pasta evenly.
- Step 6: Transfer macaroni and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni.
- Step 8: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar?
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 Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar?
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 Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar?
Southern 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.
