This baked mac and cheese with breadcrumbs is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. You’ll need elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs. These classic ingredients come together to create a soulful, nourishing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
8 oz (2 cups) – Elbow macaroni
4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
2 cups – Whole milk
2 cups – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup – Seasoned breadcrumbs
Ingredient Substitutions
Cheeses: You can easily swap out the cheeses for other types, such as Gruyère or gouda.
Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs, you can make your own by tossing plain breadcrumbs with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
The key to this baked mac and cheese is the creamy, cheesy sauce and the crispy breadcrumb topping.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses. Whisk until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Gently fold in the cooked macaroni, making sure it’s evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and top with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.