Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

This indulgent, creamy baked mac and cheese features a rich, velvety cheese sauce, baked to perfection with a golden, crispy top. It’s comfort food at its finest, ideal for any occasion!

Recipe

Ingredients:

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer (about 5 minutes).

Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to combine, making sure the pasta is evenly coated.

Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.

(Optional) For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings