Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy)
Indulge in a warm embrace of comfort with our Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy). This dish is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, delivering gooey goodness in every bite. With a rich blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, combined with the crispy crunch of panko breadcrumbs, this baked macaroni is sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Experience the ultimate comfort food that brings smiles around the table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- 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 until al dente according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, whisk in flour until golden to create a roux. Gradually add milk while stirring continuously until thickened (about 5 minutes). Add salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well-coated; pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg