Description
A classic and comforting baked macaroni and cheese dish that combines pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente according to package instructions (about 7-8 minutes). Reserve about a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until slightly golden (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and stir until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic powder, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and fold in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat every elbow.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 3-quart baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and smoked paprika, and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables or bacon. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, baked pasta, cheesy dish