Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe. Perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich and cheesy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. A family favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder if using. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened.
- Add the cheese: Stir in 2 cups of cheddar, the mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and mix well to coat.
- Assemble and bake: Pour into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar on top. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter for a crispy topping, then bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to mix in cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
- The dish can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
