Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy baked mac and cheese, topped with a perfectly crispy panko crust. Packed with sharp cheddar and Gruyere, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving cheesy perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Creamy Sauce: Made with a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere for a rich and gooey texture.
Golden Crispy Topping: The buttery panko topping adds the perfect crunch.

Easy to Make: Ready in under an hour with simple, straightforward steps.
Customizable: Add mix-ins like bacon, broccoli, or jalapeños to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Mac and Cheese

16 oz elbow macaroni (or other tubular pasta), cooked
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping

1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
4 tbsp butter, melted

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

Directions

Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish.

Cook Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, stopping one minute shy of al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, stir to coat, and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a deep saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking continuously until bubbly and golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue whisking until bubbles form, then cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Slowly add 2 cups of the cheddar and Gruyere cheese mixture, whisking until melted and smooth. Add the remaining 2 cups and whisk until thick and creamy.

Combine Pasta and Sauce
Stir the cooled pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring it is fully coated.
Layer the Mac and Cheese
- Pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with half of the remaining shredded cheese.
- Add the rest of the mac and cheese and spread evenly.
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.

Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Serve
Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add-Ins: Stir in cooked bacon, sautéed onions, steamed broccoli, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
Cheese Swaps: Use Monterey Jack, Fontina, or Colby Jack instead of Gruyere.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and panko crumbs.
Lighter Version: Substitute milk and cream with low-fat milk and use reduced-fat cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Let the dish cool completely before freezing. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce.

2. What can I use instead of Gruyere?

Fontina, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are great substitutes.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

4. Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, shells, cavatappi, or penne work well.

5. How do I prevent the topping from burning?

If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil.

6. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike! For picky eaters, skip the paprika.

7. Can I add protein?

Add cooked chicken, ham, or ground beef for a hearty meal.

8. How do I make it creamier?

Use half-and-half instead of milk, or increase the heavy cream.

9. What sides pair well with baked mac and cheese?

Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

10. Can I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep it creamy.

Conclusion

This homemade baked mac and cheese is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich, creamy sauce and crunchy panko topping, it’s perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!