If you’ve ever wondered what side dish makes every American dinner feel like home, you’re staring it down right now: baked macaroni and cheese. Not the stovetop version.
Not the box. I’m talking oven-baked, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-in-the-middle All-American Mac & Cheese that makes guests pause mid-bite and say, “Who made this?!”I grew up on this dish.
It showed up at every cookout, Thanksgiving table, and church potluck. It was the dish that no one dared “experiment” with — because if you ruin it, the entire family will talk about you for a year.
This is that recipe. A crowd-pleasing, soul-hugging pan of golden, cheesy perfection with a buttery breadcrumb topping that’s basically crack.
And yes — I’ll teach you how to make it faster than your grandma did (and with fewer dishes, thanks to this non-stick baking set 👈 affiliate link).
📋 What You’ll Learn
- How to make crispy, creamy baked American mac and cheese from scratch
- Tips for making it ahead, freezing, or prepping for holidays
- Best cheeses for maximum melt and flavor
- Pantry swaps to save you a grocery trip
- What to serve it with (plus internal recipe links!)
All-American Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 475 per serving
- Author: 30-Minute Bites
All-American Baked Macaroni and Cheese (Crispy, Creamy & Classic!)
Course: 30-Minute Dinners, 30-Minute Meals, Breakfast u0026amp; Brunch, Budget-Friendly Recipes, Healthy u0026amp; Light, International Flavors, Kid-Friendly, Meal Prep u0026amp; Freezer-Friendly, One-Pan MealsThese juicy All-American BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Perfect for backyard parties, game days, or an easy family dinner, they’re made with tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce, topped with creamy slaw, and piled onto buttery slider buns.
They’re ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to disappear fast. Pair with crispy fries or a summer salad for a classic American-style meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
– 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Cook until the mixture thickens (about 4–5 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese is melted.
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- Pour into baking dish. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving. (Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for extra crunch.)
Notes
- – You can swap cheddar for a mix of Monterey Jack and Gruyère.
- – Add crumbled bacon or cooked broccoli for a full meal twist!
🔥 Why This Mac & Cheese is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time)
There are two kinds of people:
1. Those who eat boxed mac and cheese and pretend it’s the real deal.
2. Those who know the truth: Real American mac and cheese is baked.
The golden crust? Non-negotiable. The creamy interior? Absolutely essential. This recipe checks every box without turning into a 3-hour ordeal. And unlike stovetop versions, this reheats like a dream.
🛒 Kitchen Must–Have
Want your mac to slide out clean and brown evenly every time? I use this non-stick baking set from Amazon. It’s oven-safe, easy to clean, and makes every bake look bakery-worthy.
👉 Check it out here
🍗 What to Serve With American Mac and Cheese
🧊 Storage, Freezer & Reheat Tips
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for easy weeknight dinners.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk before microwaving to bring back the creaminess.
❓ FAQ
- Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?A: You can, but block cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
- Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?A: Yes! It’s picky-eater approved. You can even sneak in pureed veggies.
- Q: Can I prep this the night before?A: Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate. Add breadcrumbs before baking.
🗨️ Reader Comment
> “I made this for our July 4th BBQ and it was the first thing gone. Even my mac-n-cheese snob of a brother went back for seconds. This recipe is gold!” – Ashley, Austin TX
If this recipe made your dinner table a little more delicious, hit that ⭐ in the recipe card, pin it on Pinterest, or share it with a friend who swears by Kraft. You’ll never go back after this!