Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy)
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy). This dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. With its crispy panko topping, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this mac and cheese is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. Add veggies or proteins for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. Get ready to enjoy a hearty meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain well.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat; stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta with the cheese sauce in the prepared dish. Top with remaining cheddar and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg