Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for creamy baked mac and cheese. A rich and cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 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
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional spices. Stir in cheeses until melted.
- Combine and bake: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, then pour into the baking dish. Top with breadcrumb mixture if desired. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor with hot sauce or Dijon mustard in the sauce.
- This dish reheats well and is great for gatherings or cozy meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
