Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- 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.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- 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
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
