Last updated on June 19th, 2026 at 02:12 pm
This baked macaroni and cheese recipe is an old classic one that I grew up on. Choose your shredded cheese and bake this until all the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Sometimes the simplest recipes become the family favorites that everyone requests year after year. This baked macaroni and cheese is rich, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy without requiring a homemade roux or complicated cheese sauce. Just a few pantry staples come together to create an old-fashioned casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, church suppers, holiday meals, or feeding a hungry crowd.
I have an Old Betty Crocker Cookbook and I still use it all the time. This recipe is a slightly different version of their pioneer macaroni and cheese. This classic casserole will give you the best tasting results with little effort.
Classic Comfort Food
Homemade Mac & Cheese is a simple comfort food that everyone should have a go-to recipe for. This one is mine.
It’s cheesy, creamy, and uncomplicated. Everything a good mac & cheese should be.
Everyone has a favorite food. For some, it’s macaroni and cheese. It may seem as though you can find this dish anywhere, but that is not the case. I have been to my share of restaurants and catered events where they serve something called macaroni and cheese, but when I take a bite, there’s always something missing. These dishes are often too creamy or too cheesy or even lack flavor altogether.
Thankfully, with a little effort on my part I am able to make my own macaroni and cheese at home that tastes just like it should: perfect! In order to achieve this goal, all one needs is some pasta (elbow noodles work best), milk- preferably whole milk for extra creaminess
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 7 simple ingredients
- Ready in about an hour
- Perfect for holidays and potlucks
- Easily doubles for large gatherings
- Great make-ahead recipe
- Kid approved
- Delicious leftovers
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
text ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare 9 X 13 baking dish by spraying with oil or lightly buttering. Add the cooked and drained pasta that is cooked to al dente.16 Oz. elbow macaroni
- Add the shredded cheese, whole milk, salt, and pepper.16 Oz. Shredded Cheese, 3 Cups whole milk, 1/2 Tsp. salt, 1/2 Tsp. pepper
- Bake until golden brown on top. Approximately 40 minutes.
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Betty Crocker’s Original Pioneer Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
The basis for this mac and cheese recipe is the Betty Crocker’s Original Recipe that I grew up on. Same ingredients, just a slight variation in the amounts. Double the macaroni, more cheese, and less milk. It is still a classic.
Best Cheese for Baked Macaroni and Cheese
You can mix and match cheeses depending on your taste.
Great choices include:
- Sharp Cheddar
- Mild Cheddar
- Colby Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Gouda
- Gruyere
- Mozzarella (for extra stretch)
- Pepper Jack (for spice)
Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties because it doesn’t contain anti-caking agents.
Meatless Monday Meals or Great as a Side Dish
Just like the Kraft macaroni and cheese that many of us are all familiar with, this can be eaten as a side dish and is easy to make. For many of us, I know that we have all had a large bowl of mac and cheese and called that a meal. We still do once in a while. Sometimes we want a meal without meat and fuss, or we just want a hearty mac and cheese. This is a great side or meal for a weeknight.
Very easy recipe even for a beginner cook.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Add a bit of butter, milk or cream before reheating to restore creaminess. Reheat in the microwave.
Another reheating option is to melt a bit of butter in a non-stick pan and heat up over the stove. The oven is a great option to re-heat larger amounts. No matter how you choose to enjoy this, there are easy options for you.
Easy Variations to Try
One of the best things about this classic baked macaroni and cheese is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re using ingredients you already have on hand or looking to create a new family favorite, these simple variations are delicious ways to make this recipe your own.
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Everything is better with bacon! Stir 8 to 10 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon into the macaroni before baking, then sprinkle a little extra on top for added crunch and smoky flavor.
Ham Mac and Cheese
Leftover holiday ham is perfect in this casserole. Mix in 2 cups of diced cooked ham to turn this comforting side dish into a hearty main course. It’s a great way to use up leftovers after Easter or Christmas dinner.
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
For a simple way to add vegetables, stir in 2 cups of lightly steamed broccoli florets before baking. The broccoli pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce and makes this dish a complete family meal.
Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
If you enjoy a little heat, add one or two finely diced fresh jalapeños or a few tablespoons of pickled jalapeños to the macaroni mixture. For even more flavor, use a blend of cheddar and Pepper Jack cheese.
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Swap half of the cheddar cheese for smoked Gouda to give this baked macaroni and cheese a rich, smoky flavor. Gruyère or Monterey Jack are also wonderful additions for a gourmet twist.
Parmesan Crust
For a golden, cheesy topping, sprinkle ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole before baking. It creates a flavorful crust that adds a delicious texture to every bite.
Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
Combine 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top before baking. The buttery crumbs bake into a crisp, golden topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta.
Buttery Ritz Cracker Topping
For an old-fashioned casserole finish, crush about 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers and mix with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni before baking for a rich, buttery crunch that’s always a crowd favorite.
Mix and Match Your Favorite Cheeses
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations. Sharp cheddar provides classic flavor, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyère, Havarti, or a little cream cheese can all make this casserole even creamier and more flavorful.
A Hint of Smoky Flavor
The paprika adds a little bit of extra smoky flavor of the paprika. Therefore, we make sure that there is a bit extra sprinkled on. Please be sure to adjust this or any recipe to your taste preferences.
Some recipes start with a roux. This one does not. I repeat, this one does not. Cooking the noodles to al dente helps them soak up the milk in the recipe. Between the cheese, milk, and pasta, a creamy gooey sauce is created that is delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Meatloaf
- BBQ Chicken
- Pulled Pork
- Baked Ham
- Pot Roast
- Fried Chicken
- Grilled Brats
- Fresh Garden Salad
- Green Beans
- Homemade Dinner Rolls or our 2 ingredient biscuits
What is Al Dente Pasta?
The pasts will feel firm, not crunchy, when bitten or smooshed between your fingers. Al dente pasta means to cook the pasta almost all of the way through with a small core of uncooked pasta in the middle. When using pasta cooked to this stage, it continues to soak up any liquid as the pasta continues to swell.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze baked macaroni and cheese?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking.
Should I cover it while baking?
No, unless the top browns too quickly.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely. Shells, cavatappi, rotini, and penne all work well.
What cheese melts best?
Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Gruyere, and Gouda all melt beautifully.
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I hope that you liked this recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.