Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy). This dish features a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses wrapped around perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all topped with a golden, crunchy panko crust.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 1-2 minutes until golden.
- 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.
- Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated; pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg