Classic American Macaroni and Cheese with Aged Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping
A comforting baked macaroni and cheese featuring sharp aged cheddar and a crunchy golden breadcrumb crust. This american southern-inspired comfort food ready in about 55 minutes pairs ounces elbow macaroni, tablespoons, divided unsalted butter, tablespoons all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons, divided unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp aged cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces elbow macaroni for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded sharp aged cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder.
- Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 6: Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and mix with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic American Macaroni and Cheese with Aged Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping 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 Classic American Macaroni and Cheese with Aged Cheddar and 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 ounces elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic American Macaroni and Cheese with Aged Cheddar and 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 Classic American Macaroni and Cheese with Aged Cheddar and 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 Classic American Macaroni and Cheese with Aged Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping?
American Southern comfort food 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.
