Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy)
Indulge in the comforting goodness of this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy), where creamy elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich cheese sauce and topped with a delightful panko crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this dish is consistently a family favorite. The combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Customize it with your choice of veggies or proteins for an extra twist. Prepare ahead for a quick meal anytime!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- 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 oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, add flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes). Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg