Our Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese
We are a major mac and cheese family. My boys would happily survive on solely on Goodles if we them, my husband and I have loved this one-pot broccoli mac for years, and this smoky pumpkin mac is a family favorite each fall. But whenever we’re craving a classic, real-deal skillet of baked mac and cheese — the kind with crispy golden edges and bubbling sauce and the most delicious crunchy garlicky topping — this is the recipe we all love best. ♡
It’s nice and simple to make. You just build a creamy cheese sauce right in the skillet, stir in the pasta, toast up buttery garlicky breadcrumbs to sprinkle on top, and then let the oven work its magic. It’s made with the perfect blend of cheeses, plus a hint of Dijon and smoked paprika to quietly enhance all the flavors. And it bakes up irresistibly creamy and cheesy every single time.
I usually pop a batch of veggies in the air fryer while the mac and cheese bakes, or toss together a quick green salad to round things out. But let’s be honest — everyone’s really just waiting to dive into that golden, crispy-edged skillet at the center of the table. Let’s make some!!