This Creamy Golden Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food classic. Loaded with sharp cheddar and topped with buttery panko for a satisfying crunch, this baked casserole is rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy—perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a hearty side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High-Protein Comfort Food: Great for growing kids and adults needing hearty fuel.
Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses affordable pantry staples like pasta, butter, and cheese.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and bake just before serving.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or any cheese lover.

Ingredients Breakdown

Pasta Base:

Elbow macaroni (3 cups) – The ideal shape for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce.

Cheese Sauce:

Unsalted butter (1/4 cup) – Forms the base of the roux for a velvety sauce.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup) – Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
Mustard powder (1 tsp) – Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
Whole or 2% milk (2 cups) – Provides richness and helps smooth out the cheese sauce.
Sharp cheddar cheese (4 cups total) – 3 cups melted into the sauce, 1 cup reserved for extra cheesiness in the bake.
Salt (1/2 tsp) & black pepper (1/4 tsp) – Enhances all the cheesy flavors.

Topping:

Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup) – Adds crunch to contrast the creamy pasta.
Melted butter (2 tbsp) – Helps the panko crisp up to golden brown perfection.

Tips and Tricks

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltability.
Add More Depth: A dash of garlic powder or paprika adds a subtle kick.
Make it Creamier: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce for extra richness.
Prevent Overcooking: Cook pasta just until al dente—overcooked pasta will become mushy when baked.

Variations and Customizations

Four-Cheese Blend: Mix in mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan for extra depth.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Meaty Twist: Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or rotisserie chicken.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives.

Pairing Suggestions

Main Course: Pair with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or pulled pork.
Side Dish: Complements roasted veggies, garlic bread, or coleslaw.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.
Freeze: Freeze baked mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Golden Baked Mac & Cheese

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Golden Baked Mac & Cheese – The ultimate comfort food! Creamy, sharp cheddar pasta crowned with buttery panko crunch. Perfect for holidays, weeknights, or anytime cheesy cravings strike.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups elbow macaroni
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
2 cups whole or 2% milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook macaroni until just al dente according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter.
Stir in flour and mustard powder, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly golden.
Slowly whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Sprinkle the buttery crumbs and the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

6. Bake and Serve

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

To make this dish extra indulgent, add a thin layer of extra cheese between two layers of macaroni before baking.
Great for holidays like Thanksgiving or as a soul food side dish for Sunday dinners.
Want to boost your protein intake? Mix in cottage cheese or top with crumbled sausage before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American