Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the perfect balance of rich, cheesy, and ultra-creamy goodness, all topped with a golden, crispy crust. With three types of cheese, a velvety homemade cheese sauce, and a buttery breadcrumb topping, this recipe takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level!
✔ Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: No dry mac and cheese here—this recipe is extra saucy and melts in your mouth.
✔ Golden Crispy Topping: A layer of buttery breadcrumbs and cheese adds a delicious crunch.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a holiday dinner, a potluck, or a weeknight meal, this dish is always a hit!
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready!
Ingredients
For 6-8 servings, you’ll need:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar (for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni 1 minute less than al dente (it will continue cooking in the oven).
- Drain, toss with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden (this removes the raw flour taste).
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
- Lower heat and gradually stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, mixing until fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Mac and Cheese
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder until combined.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar on top for an extra cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—then enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values based on ingredients used.)
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 30g
- Sodium: 620mg
Tips & Tricks for the Best Mac and Cheese
✔ Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooking it keeps it from becoming mushy after baking.
✔ Want Extra Creaminess? Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a deeper flavor.
✔ Make It Ahead: Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
✔ Add More Toppings: Try crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fun twist!
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