Description
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, then baked to perfection with a crispy topping. It's the ultimate cheesy comfort food!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened and smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Bake:
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well-coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- For the topping, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a main dish or a hearty side.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- You can mix in cooked bacon or caramelized onions for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 20g