Description
This Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy cheese sauce and golden crust. Perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts, it’s made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for rich flavor. Easy to customize with add-ins like bacon or veggies!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux, then gradually add milk.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: baked macaroni and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta