Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy)
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy). This dish combines the gooey richness of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all crowned by a crispy panko topping. It’s not just delicious; it’s a breeze to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults alike. With its creamy texture and customizable flavors, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- 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 oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 2 minutes until golden, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 55mg