Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy)
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy). This dish is a hearty blend of rich cheeses and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety sauce, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs for added texture. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or as a delightful side at gatherings. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this mac and cheese is sure to impress everyone at your table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes). Add salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in two cups of sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg