Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy)
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy), a delightful dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. This rich, cheesy pasta bake features a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, creating an irresistible creamy texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you choose to add veggies or protein, this dish is sure to become a family favorite that satisfies all cravings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about 5 minutes). Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and transfer to the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg