Description
Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy comfort food with a golden, crispy top. Made with a blend of cheeses, milk, and a dash of mustard for tanginess, it’s the perfect side dish or main course for any meal. Indulgent and satisfying, it’s sure to please both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
4 tablespoons 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 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Add mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and seasoning to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs: Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add protein: Mix in cooked bacon, sausage, or grilled chicken for a heartier dish.
- Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Use different cheeses: Gruyère, Gouda, or fontina work well for a different flavor profile.
- Make it creamy: Use heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamier texture.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate sautéed onions, spinach, or roasted tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg