Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Dijon Mustard

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to golden perfection with sharp cheddar and a hint of Dijon mustard for depth and tang. This american-inspired comfort food 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 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and is fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for 6-8 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika until the cheese melts smoothly.
  5. Step 5: Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing gently until fully coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, toss 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp olive oil. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the macaroni and cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Dijon Mustard 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 Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Dijon Mustard?

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 Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Dijon Mustard?

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 Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Dijon Mustard 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 Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Dijon Mustard?

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.

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