Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy)
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy). This dish is a delightful blend of rich, creamy cheese enveloping tender elbow macaroni, creating a comforting casserole that is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its bubbly golden crust and velvety sauce, each bite feels like a warm hug. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your tastes, this mac and cheese is sure to become a favorite at your table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- 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 oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat; stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until well-coated, then transfer to the greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar and panko breadcrumbs. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 60mg