Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A rich and cheesy dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal, perfect for family dinners and movie nights.
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
For the cheese sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Preparation
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.
Making the cheese sauce
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 4–6 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta.
Assembly and Baking
- Pour the cheesy pasta into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Mix panko with melted butter and smoked paprika, then sprinkle over the top of the pasta.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top. For a crispier topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Notes
Use good quality cheese for better flavor and meltiness. Don't overcook the pasta to ensure it remains firm. Add cayenne pepper for a spicy twist and experiment with toppings like crispy bacon bits or sautéed vegetables.