Description
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich and cheesy comfort food classic. Combining sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with a creamy milk and butter sauce, it’s baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping for added texture. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and gently simmers, about 5 minutes.
- Melt Cheeses: Stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until completely melted and smooth.
- Season Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Remove the sauce from heat once well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni for a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a tangier flavor; mild cheddar will result in a creamier, less sharp taste.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch to the creamy pasta.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with 2% milk, but the texture will be less rich.
- Make sure to cook the roux well to avoid a raw flour taste in the sauce.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving; cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
