Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting classic that’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy golden crust. This easy recipe combines three cheeses for rich flavor and a satisfying texture. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before serving for added freshness.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage

Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from burning?

If the breadcrumbs brown too quickly during baking, cover the dish loosely with foil for the first half of baking, then remove it to let the topping crisp up at the end.

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

This classic Baked Mac and Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Topped with a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection, this comforting casserole is perfect as a hearty side or main dish.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 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

Topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Remaining cheddar cheese for topping (approximately 1 cup)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns lightly golden, forming a roux.
4. Add Milk and Season: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
5. Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar, all the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the macaroni, then top with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust.
8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool slightly to set before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the milk when making the cheese sauce.
• Use fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded for a creamier melt if preferred.
• To make the dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.
• For a smoky flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese casserole, creamy mac and cheese, classic comfort food, cheddar mac and cheese