Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs

This guide shows you how to make easy baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs in 30 minutes using pantry staples. It covers ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pro tips for flavor and texture, plus storage and reheating advice so leftovers stay creamy and crispy.

What You'll Need for Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs

Here's what you need to make this easy baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs. The ingredients are simple and you probably have most of them in your pantry right now.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or any pasta you have on hand
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika for extra flavor

Equipment for Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or spoon for stirring
• 8x8 inch baking dish
• Oven preheated to 375°F

That's it! With these simple ingredients and equipment, you'll be able to make a delicious and easy baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs that will impress everyone who tries it. The whole process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect easy baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs every single time. This recipe is so easy that even beginners can master it on the first try.

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and creamy. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine pasta and sauce

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.

Step 4: Add the bread crumb topping

Mix bread crumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top. This will create a crispy, golden crust that makes this easy baked mac and cheese extra special.

Step 5: Bake until golden and bubbly

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken up.

That's it! In just 30 minutes you'll have the most delicious and easy baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs that will impress everyone who tries it.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs

These pro tips will help you make the best baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs every single time. These are the secrets that make this easy recipe taste like it came from a professional kitchen.

Pro Tip #1: Use a blend of cheeses for the best flavor

Instead of just using cheddar, try a mix of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan for a more complex and rich flavor profile. The combination of these cheeses will make your easy baked mac and cheese taste like it came from a high-end restaurant.

Pro Tip #2: Make the sauce extra creamy

Replace 1/4 cup of milk with heavy cream to make the sauce extra creamy and rich. This simple swap will make your baked mac and cheese taste like it came from a fancy restaurant kitchen.

Pro Tip #3: Don't overbake the bread crumbs

Watch the bread crumbs closely in the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent burning. You want them golden brown and crispy, not burnt and bitter. This is the key to perfect baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs.

Pro Tip #4: Make ahead and freeze instructions

You can prep this easy baked mac and cheese up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

These simple tips will ensure your easy baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs turns out perfect every single time.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs

Here's how to properly store and reheat your leftover baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs so it tastes just as good as when it was first made. These tips will help you avoid the common mistakes that can ruin the texture and flavor of your leftovers.

Storing Leftover Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs

• Let the baked mac and cheese cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation from making the bread crumbs soggy
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
• Do not freeze as the pasta will become mushy and the sauce may separate

Reheating Leftover Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs

• Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through
• Or microwave on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent hot spots
• Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess to the sauce
• Top with fresh bread crumbs and bake for 5 minutes to restore crunch

These simple storage and reheating tips will keep your leftover baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs tasting fresh and delicious every time you serve it.