Name: Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni or your choice of pasta; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 5 cups whole milk; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cups shredded Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese (or more cheddar); 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste); 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp melted butter; Pinch of salt; 1/2 tsp dried parsley

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that wraps you up in a warm, cheesy hug, then this Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. This timeless dish brings together tender pasta smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, baked to a golden perfection with a delightfully crunchy topping. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sharp and mild cheeses, cozy spices, and that fun, crispy breadcrumb crust you’ll want to savor again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simply irresistible and feels like home in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients for a recipe arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left side, there is a silver metal bowl filled with uncooked elbow macaroni, which is pale yellow and smooth. Next to it is a tall glass bottle filled with white milk. On the right side, there are small white bowls and a white measuring cup with different ingredients: one bowl has bright red powder, another contains light brown powder, a smaller white dish holds a small amount of darker brown spice, and the measuring cup is full of pale yellow breadcrumbs. There is a chunk of pale yellow butter, a block of white and orange marbled cheese, a block of yellow cheese, and a white bowl filled with thin slices of pale yellow cheese shavings. Everything is positioned close together, all on the white marbled hexagon-tiled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients right is key to mastering this Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. The beauty is in the simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, creating layers of flavor, creaminess, and crunch that come together in pure harmony.

1 lb elbow macaroni or your choice of pasta: The classic tubular shape holds the cheese sauce perfectly in every bite.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds a rich, velvety base for the cheese sauce.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to that luscious, smooth consistency.
5 cups whole milk: Creates the creamy foundation of the cheese sauce with a rich texture.
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides that quintessential tangy, sharp flavor.
2 cups shredded Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese: Adds meltiness and a subtle nutty or creamy twist, depending on your choice.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings depth and a slightly salty, savory punch.
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste): Balances and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
1 tsp onion powder: Gives a gentle savory undertone without overpowering the cheese.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick and warmth.
1/2 tsp paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness and color.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a hint of aromatic depth.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs: For that irresistibly crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy pasta.
2 tbsp melted butter: Coats the breadcrumbs so they bake up golden and crispy.
Pinch of salt: To season the breadcrumbs perfectly.
1/2 tsp dried parsley: Adds a touch of color and fresh herbal note to the topping.

How to Make Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

First, let’s get the pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni just until it’s al dente. This means it will still have a slight bite because it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you work on that incredible cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely so it creates a smooth base. Next, whisk in the flour and cook it for a minute or two to form a roux, which thickens the sauce later while eliminating any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to keep things lump-free, until the sauce thickens to a luxurious, creamy consistency. Turn off the heat and begin folding in your sharp cheddar, Gruyere (or Monterey Jack), and Parmesan cheeses a handful at a time. Stir well before adding more, ensuring each bit melts beautifully. Turn the heat to low if needed to finish melting, but be careful to avoid boiling so your sauce stays silky and doesn’t separate. Finally, season the sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, bringing layers of flavor together perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cooked macaroni into your cheese sauce and stir together until every piece is luxuriously coated. Right now it might look like too much sauce and not enough pasta, but trust the process! The pasta will soak up that cheesy goodness as it bakes, making every bite perfectly creamy.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, a pinch of salt, and dried parsley. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts brilliantly with the creamy macaroni beneath.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer your mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb topping generously over the surface. For that extra cheesy drama, you can press some cubes of sharp cheddar or your favorite cheese right on top for fun gooey pockets. Bake the dish in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15 minutes or until the top turns beautifully golden and bubbly. Let it rest about 10 minutes after it comes out so it thickens up to the perfect consistency before serving.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

A white square baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese is shown with a spoon lifting a portion from the dish. The dish has two main layers: the bottom layer is soft elbow macaroni covered in thick, smooth, melted cheese sauce with a pale yellow color. The top layer is a golden brown, crispy breadcrumb crust that looks crunchy and evenly toasted. The cheese stretches slightly from the spoon to the dish, showing its smooth and creamy texture under the crust. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to brighten the rich dish with color and a hint of freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add a subtle pop of smoky aroma that pairs wonderfully with the baked cheese.

Side Dishes

This Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even some tangy coleslaw that adds a refreshing crunch and balances out the richness. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside baked chicken or pork chops.

Creative Ways to Present

Playfully serve the mac and cheese in small ramekins or individual cast iron skillets for a cozy, personalized touch that looks charming on any table. For a fun twist, top servings with crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce to bring more flavor layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, simply cover and refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for reheating during busy weeknights.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish without a hitch by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months frozen. To freeze, it’s best to cool the baked macaroni completely first, then wrap securely before freezing to protect those flavors and textures.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly again. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps regain that creamy feel. Microwaving is okay for a quick fix, but baking preserves the crunch on top.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use shells, cavatappi, or small penne. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so your pasta is perfectly al dente before baking.

What cheese combinations work best in this Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?

The blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere or Monterey Jack, and Parmesan creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or smoky gouda if you want a different twist, but stick to cheeses that melt well.

How do I avoid a grainy or separated cheese sauce?

The key is to melt the cheese gently over low heat without bringing the sauce to a boil. Adding cheese gradually and stirring it completely before adding more helps create that smooth, creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat. Just ensure the cheeses you use don’t contain animal rennet if you want to make it strictly vegetarian.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener. Be sure to check the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions or skip the topping for a different texture.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is truly one of those timeless dishes that never fails to delight. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection with a crunchy topping, it’s a recipe to keep close and share often. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weeknight treat, give it a try—I promise it’ll become one of your favorite comfort foods, too!