Cheesy Oven-Baked Macaroni Casserole
This Cheesy Oven-Baked Macaroni Casserole is what I call a guaranteed family favorite. It's creamy, cozy, and packed with layers of melted cheddar and Gruyère that get all bubbly and golden in the oven. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds that perfect crunch, and best of all, it comes together fast (a must for weeknight dinners!).
If you're into warm, oven-baked comfort dishes, you'll probably also love my Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl, which is just as cheesy and comforting.
Quick Look
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Main ingredients: macaroni, cheddar, Gruyère, milk, cream, butter
- Cooking method: Oven bake 🡢
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serving ideas: Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables
Jump to:
- Quick Look
- Important Ingredients
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Cheesy Oven-Baked Macaroni Casserole
- Baking Schedule
- 💭Crucial Success Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- How To Store Cheesy Oven-Baked Macaroni Casserole
- Other Delicious Recipes
- Cheesy Oven-Baked Macaroni Casserole
- Other Recipes You'll Love
- Same Day Sourdough Brioche Rolls
- Cranberry Orange Sourdough Brioche Rolls
- Cranberry Orange Sourdough Brioche Wreath
Important Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni provides the classic pasta base
- Cheddar and Gruyère give rich, melty flavor
- Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan add a golden, crunchy topping
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs
- Vegetarian: Keep the recipe as is, or add roasted veggies for extra flavor
- Extra cheesy: Add more cheese on top before baking
- Kid-friendly: Mix in some cooked ham or bacon bits for extra fun
How to Make Cheesy Oven-Baked Macaroni Casserole
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Boil the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt half of the butter over medium heat (Image 1).
Step 2: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it's lightly golden and bubbly (Image 2).
Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes (Image 3).
Step 4: Remove from heat and mix in the cheddar and Gruyère (Image 4) until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper (Image 5).
Step 6: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce (Image 6).
Step 7: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 8: Melt the remaining butter in a small pan and mix with the panko breadcrumbs (Image 8).
Step 9: Combine with Parmesan and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni (Image 9).
Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling (Image 10). For an extra crunchy top, broil 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 11: Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving (Image 11).
Hint: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before scooping. The sauce thickens slightly and clings perfectly to each piece of pasta. If you want a golden, extra-crispy topping, give it a quick broil at the end - but keep a close eye so it doesn't burn.
Baking Schedule
| Step | Action | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven | 350°F (175°C) | - |
| 2 | Bake macaroni casserole | 350°F (175°C) | 20-25 min |
| 3 | Optional broil for extra crisp | Broil | 2-3 min |
💭Crucial Success Tips
- Don't overcook your macaroni - slightly firm pasta keeps its shape after baking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- A mix of cheddar and Gruyère gives that perfect balance of sharp and nutty flavor.
Recipe FAQs
The secret's in the sauce - using both milk and cream creates that silky texture, and whisking slowly helps everything blend without lumps.
Yes! Assemble it a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it right before serving and add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
How To Store Cheesy Oven-Baked Macaroni Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months, just reheat in the oven until warmed through before serving.
Other Delicious Recipes
- Honey Oat Sourdough Sandwich Loaf
- Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
- Easy Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- No Tools, no Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread Recipe
If you tried this Cheesy Oven-Baked Macaroni Casserole or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below! Happy Baking!
Cheesy Oven-Baked Macaroni Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded sharp
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese shredded
- 1 unsalted butter divided, stick
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Boil the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.In a large saucepan, melt half of the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it's lightly golden and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cheddar and Gruyère until melted and smooth.
- Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Melt the remaining butter in a small pan and mix with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Combine with Parmesan and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling. For an extra crunchy top, broil 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving.
