Easy Baked Cheddar Mac and Cheese
A creamy and comforting baked mac and cheese dish that's simple enough for weeknights but special enough for holidays.
Ingredients
Pasta and Dairy
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or shells) Classic shape that traps the sauce. Use whole-wheat pasta for more fiber.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter For richness; use olive oil for a dairy-light option.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Forms the roux to thicken the sauce. Use gluten-free flour if needed.
- 2.5 cups milk (whole or 2%) Whole milk gives a silkier sauce. For a lighter dish, try skim or unsweetened almond milk.
- 1 cup sour cream Adds tang and creaminess. Substitute Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
Cheese
- 3 cups sharp cheddar, shredded The flavor hero. Mix in Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
- 0.5 cup Parmesan, grated Rounds out the cheese flavor.
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Brightens the cheese sauce.
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika For depth and warmth.
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For a crunchy topping. Mix with melted butter for color and flavor.
Optional Add-ins
- to taste diced ham Add for extra protein.
- to taste roasted broccoli Add for a veggie boost.
- to taste chopped chives
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue whisking until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until silky and smooth.
Combine and Bake
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every noodle is coated.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and the crust turns golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispy topping, broil for 1–2 minutes. Great with ad-ins like chicken or veggies.