Best ever mac and cheese –Are you ready to dive into a creamy, cheesy delight? Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this Best Ever Baked Macaroni & Cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a classic comfort food with a twist that elevates the everyday macaroni into something truly special. Let’s get started!
Best Ever Baked Macaroni & Cheese
This baked macaroni and cheese features a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s perfectly complemented by a buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s the ultimate indulgence!

Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to combine.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade baked macaroni and cheese!
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. So gather your loved ones, dish up a serving, and relish in the joy that comes from sharing comfort food made with love.