Description
Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family gatherings and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Butter, unsalted
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese, sharp
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups Whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden.
- Add the whole milk gradually, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the sharp Cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to ensure every piece is coated.
- Season the mixture with black pepper, paprika, and salt, and stir well.
- Transfer this delicious concoction to a greased baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the Panko breadcrumbs over the top for added crunch.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese based on your preferences. This dish is great topped with a sprinkle of parsley or additional cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American