Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This classic Baked Mac and Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish is perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main course.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 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
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserved from above)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in salt, black pepper, and paprika for flavor.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, all the mozzarella, and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy cheese sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the macaroni, followed by the panko breadcrumbs to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving to let the sauce set.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor or mix different cheeses as preferred.
- If you like a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked pasta, cheesy casserole
Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
