Dinner

Baked Cheesy Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Top Recipe

ByHarper Ellington October 27, 2025October 27, 2025

Introduction

Baked Mac and Cheese is a timeless comfort food favorite, known for its rich, creamy texture and gooey cheese topping. This recipe combines sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a perfectly cheesy dish that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy.

The image shows a thick, round baked macaroni and cheese dish sitting on a dark wooden board. The dish has a golden-brown crispy top layer with toasted bits of cheese and breadcrumbs, sprinkled with green parsley pieces. Below the crust, there is a rich, creamy layer of melted cheese that coats soft, curved pasta tubes tightly packed together. The overall texture looks gooey and stretchy with melted cheese strands visible between the macaroni. The background is softly darkened, making the warm yellow and orange tones of the macaroni dish stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz elbow macaroni
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 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
Try mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
Use seasoned breadcrumbs or sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top for a smoky twist.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a thick, round macaroni and cheese cake sitting on a wooden board. The bottom layer is tightly packed macaroni pasta covered in creamy melted cheese. The middle layer is gooey and stringy cheese that stretches slightly between the macaroni. The top layer is golden-brown baked cheese with a crispy, slightly crunchy texture and specks of green herb garnish scattered across the surface. The cheese on top has small browned spots, giving a baked and toasted look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are al dente.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish and refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.