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Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Ever - Crispy Top!

This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked with a golden, crunchy topping. Featuring a rich three-cheese sauce, tender pasta, and buttery panko crumbs, this homemade version delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or when you’re craving cozy comfort food that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Perfect Mac and Cheese Base
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi, shells, penne
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook macaroni until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain but do not rinse.
  3. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk, 1/2 cup at a time. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups cheddar, all mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
  6. Combine pasta with cheese sauce. Pour into baking dish, top with remaining cheddar and panko.
  7. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Grate cheese fresh for the smoothest sauce. Avoid overcooking pasta – it will finish cooking in the oven. If making ahead, assemble fully and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.