Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

A rich and creamy baked mac and cheese that's the ultimate comfort food.

Baked Mac and Cheese is a beloved classic that brings warmth to every meal. With its rich, creamy cheese sauce and perfectly baked topping, this dish is a comforting favorite among kids and adults alike. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish, baked mac and cheese is as versatile as it is delicious.

This recipe balances the gooeyness of the cheese with a bit of crunch from the baked topping. We'll walk you through each step to ensure you achieve that perfect creamy, golden-brown finish. Whether you're an experienced home cook or a beginner, you'll find that this recipe is easy to follow and incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Nutrition

Calories: ~450 calories

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour, whisking constantly to create a smooth paste. Continue to cook and whisk for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Ensure it's added gradually to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce. Continue to stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Season Sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure all the macaroni is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 3-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a couple of tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
10. Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be bubbly and the edges slightly browned.
12. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve the baked mac and cheese hot, straight from the oven.

Enjoy your rich and creamy baked mac and cheese! It's perfect served with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For added flavor, consider mixing in some cooked bacon pieces or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. If you have leftovers, they reheat wonderfully for lunch the next day.