Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. Creamy and rich with a golden, crunchy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cheese Mixture:
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and spices. Stir in cheeses until melted.
- Combine and Bake: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce, transfer to baking dish, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and perfect for holidays or family dinners.
- Feel free to mix in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed spinach for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
