Description
Golden, creamy, and baked to cheesy perfection, this Classic Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. A timeless side or main dish, it features tender elbow pasta smothered in a rich, silky cheese sauce, then topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. Ideal for holiday dinners, cozy weeknights, or potlucks, this easy recipe is customizable and loved by all ages. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, kid-friendly meals, or a hearty side to impress guests, this easy recipe delivers with every gooey bite.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon dry mustard
2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
0.25 cup parmesan cheese
1 pinch paprika
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Slowly add warmed milk and cream while whisking. Simmer, stirring, until thickened — about 5–7 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard.
5. Stir the drained pasta into the cheese sauce until well-coated.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
7. In a small bowl, mix panko, melted butter, and parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over pasta. Top with a pinch of paprika.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the top.
9. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Grating your own cheese ensures a smoother, more flavorful sauce.
Slightly undercooking the pasta prevents it from getting mushy in the oven.
Letting it rest after baking allows the sauce to set for perfect scooping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: easy recipe, comfort food, macaroni, cheese, dinner ideas, kid-friendly, creamy pasta