Description
A comforting classic with a golden, bubbly twist, this baked mac and cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Creamy three-cheese sauce, perfectly seasoned pasta, and a crispy breadcrumb topping make it ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions, just until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
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Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
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Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
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Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
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Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated.
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Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
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Combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
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Let cool slightly , then serve warm.
Notes
1: Customizing Your Mac and Cheese
Feel free to personalize this dish by adding cooked bacon, sautéed onions, steamed broccoli, or even diced jalapeños before baking. These additions can enhance both flavor and texture without altering the core of the recipe.
Make Ahead Option
You can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate before baking. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if needed.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating, use the microwave with a splash of milk or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Lighter version: Replace heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half (note: the sauce may be slightly thinner).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 75mg