Description

Golden, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy, Classic Baked Mac and Cheese is the comfort food your table has been waiting for. Perfect as a holiday side or a weeknight main, this easy dinner option is layered with bold cheddar, smooth mozzarella, and rich parmesan. Its buttery, crisp topping creates a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the tender macaroni and gooey cheese sauce. Whether you’re searching for quick meal ideas, a crowd-pleasing dish, or a reliable potluck favorite, this easy recipe delivers every single time.

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tbsp butter, melted

Chopped parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni for 6–7 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until golden.

3. Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.

4. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

5. Reduce heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until melted and smooth.

6. Fold in cooked macaroni gently to coat evenly with cheese sauce.

7. Pour into greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.

8. Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Add extra cheese if desired.

9. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more until golden.

10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.

Undercook pasta slightly to avoid mushy texture after baking.

Warm your milk and cream before adding to the roux to prevent sauce from clumping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main/Side
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 90mg