Description
This creamy baked mac and cheese features tender pasta tossed in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and topped with a buttery, golden breadcrumb crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you crave cheesy indulgence.
Ingredients
- For the pasta:
- 1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- For the cheese sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups warm whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For the topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon butter, and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add milk and cream: Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream. Cook for 5–7 minutes, whisking, until thickened.
- Add seasonings and cheese: Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, 3 cups cheddar, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella or Monterey Jack, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Stir until smooth and melted.
- Combine with pasta: Stir cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Assemble: Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheeses on top.
- Prepare topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over pasta.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Rest: Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture.
- Undercook pasta slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Customize cheese blend with Gruyère, smoked cheddar, or cream cheese for variation.
- Add sautéed veggies or cooked meat to turn it into a full meal.
- Freeze leftovers or unbaked assembled mac and cheese for future meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
