Golden, creamy, and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, baked mac and cheese is a Thanksgiving classic everyone craves. It’s simple to prepare, rich with flavor, and perfect for family gatherings. This version bakes into a bubbling dish of cheesy comfort that’s ready in under an hour.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese is the kind of dish that disappears quickly at the table. The pasta is cooked just shy of tender, which means it finishes baking to the perfect bite. The sauce is silky and thick, packed with Gruyere, mozzarella, and optional spices that add depth. Meanwhile, a crunchy panko topping gives every bite a contrast of textures.
You’ll also love how versatile it is. Make it plain for picky eaters or dress it up with add-ins like bacon or sautéed veggies. Because it reheats well, it’s ideal for preparing ahead of a busy holiday meal. Most importantly, it’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and always feels like a warm hug in a dish. Serve it alongside turkey, stuffing, and other holiday sides, and you’ve got the ultimate Thanksgiving comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta
Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for baked mac and cheese. Its curved shape holds creamy sauce in every bite. You can also swap in other short pasta like cavatappi or penne. Just cook the noodles one minute less than the package suggests so they don’t overbake in the oven.
Cheese choices
The flavor of this dish comes from the cheese, so pick a combination you enjoy. Gruyere is rich and smooth, cheddar brings sharpness, and mozzarella melts beautifully for that stretchy finish. Always grate your cheese fresh, because pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent melting.
Breadcrumb topping
A crisp topping makes this dish irresistible. Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and a pinch of salt create a golden, crunchy crust. This layer keeps the pasta underneath creamy while adding that satisfying crunch everyone loves.
Optional flavor boosters
For extra flavor, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, or mustard powder to the sauce. Each adds a subtle note that balances the richness. You can also add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top for color and warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Boil and prep the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni one minute less than the package directions. Drain, toss with a little butter, and let it cool slightly. This step helps the sauce cling to the pasta without it becoming mushy.
Make the breadcrumb topping
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and salt. Stir until the crumbs are coated and slightly glossy. Set aside until ready to sprinkle over the dish.
Prepare the cheese sauce (roux method)
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for about one minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in one cup of warm milk, whisking until smooth. Then add the rest of the milk gradually, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 5–8 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in salt and any optional seasonings. Remove from the heat and add your cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
Combine pasta and sauce
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooled macaroni. Stir quickly to coat every piece. Transfer the mixture to a greased 2.5L baking dish or ovenproof skillet. Spread evenly so the topping bakes uniformly.
Add topping and bake
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the pasta. Bake uncovered at 180°C / 350°F for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles around the edges. Avoid overbaking, which can dry the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Expert Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
Cheese grating and texture
Always grate cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese can cause a grainy sauce, while freshly grated varieties melt smoothly. Mix different cheeses for both flavor and creaminess.
Avoiding lumps in the sauce
Add the milk slowly while whisking constantly. If lumps form, switch to a whisk and beat vigorously until smooth. This technique ensures a silky, lump-free sauce every time.
Pasta cooling and absorption
Tossing cooked pasta with butter and letting it cool prevents it from soaking up too much sauce before baking. This way, every bite stays creamy instead of dry.
Preventing dry mac and cheese
Don’t overbake. Once the top is golden and the sauce bubbles, remove it from the oven. Overbaking can cause the sauce to separate and the pasta to lose its tenderness.
Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing
How to prepare in advance
Cook the pasta, make the sauce, and assemble everything in the baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs, then cover and refrigerate or freeze. On baking day, cover with foil and heat for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden.
Storing in the fridge
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days. Reheat portions in the microwave, but for best results, finish under the broiler to crisp the topping again.
Freezing instructions
Assemble the dish but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. This makes holiday prep much easier.
Reheating leftovers
Reheat in the microwave for speed or warm in the oven with a little added butter to restore creaminess. To crisp the top again, place under the broiler for a few minutes.
Variations & Add-Ins
Protein options
Mix in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or even pulled pork for a heartier meal. Each adds a savory punch and extra protein.
Vegetable additions
Add sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or caramelized onions for a touch of freshness. Vegetables balance the richness and make the dish more colorful.
Flavor twists (spices, hot sauce, herbs)
Try a dash of hot sauce for a kick or stir in smoked paprika for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley sprinkled on top bring a bright finish.
What to Serve with Baked Mac and Cheese
This dish shines as a Thanksgiving side, but it pairs beautifully with other favorites. Serve it with Juicy Turkey Breast for Your Thanksgiving Table or Buttery Herb Stuffing for a Traditional Feast. It also balances sweet dishes like Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and is perfect next to Easy Garlic Bread Rolls for Thanksgiving. Its creamy richness complements savory and sweet flavors alike, making it a must-have on holiday spreads.
Other recipes you may enjoy
- Buttery Herb Stuffing for a Traditional Feast
- Juicy Turkey Breast for Your Thanksgiving Table
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Easy Garlic Bread Rolls for Thanksgiving
FAQ
How long should you cook mac and cheese in the oven?
Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, just until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
Can I put mac and cheese in the oven?
Yes, this recipe is designed for the oven. Baking creates a creamy center with a crispy topping.
What are the ingredients of baked mac?
Macaroni, butter, flour, milk, cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella, and breadcrumbs for topping are the basics.
What cheeses are best for baked mac and cheese?
Gruyere and cheddar add flavor, while mozzarella provides stretch and creaminess. A mix works best.
Conclusion
Baked mac and cheese is creamy, golden, and endlessly comforting. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether on Thanksgiving or any family dinner. With its simple method and flexible ingredients, you can prepare it ahead or serve it fresh from the oven. Pair it with turkey, stuffing, or sweet potatoes, and you’ll have a meal that feels both traditional and indulgent. Try it this holiday season, and watch how quickly the dish vanishes from the table. For even more holiday recipe inspiration, visit my Pinterest collection.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Large pot For boiling pasta
- Saucepan For making roux and cheese sauce
- Whisk To prevent lumps in sauce
- Baking dish 2.5L / 2.5qt or 9×13 for double batch
Ingredients
- 250 g macaroni (elbow pasta)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for tossing pasta)
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- ¼ tsp salt (for topping)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups warm milk (low or full fat)
- 2 cups freshly shredded Gruyere or cheddar
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water, cooking 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain, return to pot, toss with butter, and let cool slightly.
- Mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside for topping.
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 1 cup warm milk, then add remaining milk gradually. Cook 5–8 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt and optional spices. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Pour sauce over cooked macaroni. Mix quickly, then transfer to a greased 2.5L baking dish or ovenproof skillet.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
