Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe. Perfectly cooked pasta is smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs for the ideal crunch. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a cozy dinner idea, this easy recipe delivers big flavor and satisfying texture. A must-try for cheese lovers and comfort food fans alike!
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain, toss with a little butter, and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste.
- Gradually pour in 4 cups milk and 2 cups cream, whisking continuously until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and add 3 cups cheddar, 2 cups mozzarella, and 1/2 cup parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar on top.
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/4 cup parmesan. Spread over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for the final 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes