Family-Friendly Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
A comforting baked macaroni and cheese with a crisp golden breadcrumb topping, perfect for a fun family meal. This American-inspired comfort-food 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 450 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 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
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 the oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 12 oz elbow macaroni. Cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully combined.
- Step 6: Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon paprika, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Step 8: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Family-Friendly Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole 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 Family-Friendly Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole?
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 Family-Friendly Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole?
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 Family-Friendly Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole 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 Family-Friendly Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole?
American 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.
