Description
A comforting and rich dish made with a blend of cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta, topped with buttery breadcrumbs, this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stir in the flour, and cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until thickened.
- Add the cheese: Lower the heat, add your cheese blend, and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
- Combine: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well-coated.
- Transfer and top: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top. Add paprika.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute cheeses or add ingredients like vegetables for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, baked pasta, family recipes, creamy cheese