Baked Macaroni and Cheese

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you're a fan of creamy, cheesy goodness, then this Baked Macaroni and Cheese will hit the spot. It's comfort food at its finest, with a crispy breadcrumb topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.

Ingredients for Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Elbow macaroni is the foundation of this dish, providing the perfect shape for holding onto the cheese sauce. Sharp cheddar cheese offers a robust flavor that stands out, while mozzarella cheese brings a gooey, melty texture. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the flavor profile. Unsalted butter and all-purpose flour create the base of the béchamel sauce, thickened with whole milk for creaminess. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth and warmth. A topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil gives a satisfying crunch, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother sauce, ensure you whisk the milk slowly and steadily into the flour-butter mixture.
  • If you want some spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavors, like gruyere or fontina.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It also works well as a side dish next to roasted chicken or grilled veggies. For a complete comfort meal, serve it with a bowl of tomato soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
Yes, freeze it before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, cook the macaroni according to the package directions until it's just al dente. Drain it and set it aside for later.

Next, grab a large saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes bubbly and slightly golden. Now, slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Lower the heat to prevent burning and mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all these flavors. Now it's time for the cheese! Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until everything is melted and smooth.

Once your cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked macaroni into the mix, making sure every piece is well coated with that delicious sauce. Pour this cheesy goodness into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Once out of the oven, garnish with the chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A creamy, rich cheese sauce that clings to every piece of macaroni.
  • Crispy panko topping that adds texture and depth.
  • Customizable with your favorite cheeses or add-ins.
  • Bakes to golden perfection in just 30 minutes.
  • No complicated ingredients—just classic flavors that everyone loves.

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
8. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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