Creamy Mac and Cheese

Name: Creamy Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 25 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any family dinner or potluck. With a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s a cheese lover’s dream baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

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Ingredients for Creamy Mac and Cheese

Elbow macaroni forms the base of this dish, providing a tender, chewy texture that holds the cheese sauce perfectly. Sharp cheddar cheese brings a bold, tangy flavor, while mozzarella cheese adds creaminess and stretch. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the depth of flavor with its nutty notes.

Butter and flour come together to form a roux, the essential thickening agent for our sauce. Whole milk ensures a rich, creamy texture. Garlic powder and onion powder provide subtle savory undertones, complemented by salt and black pepper for seasoning. Finally, a topping of breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil gives a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Tips & Tricks

For extra creaminess, you can substitute some of the milk with half-and-half.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor; pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.

Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. You might also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?: Yes! Prepare up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What other cheeses can I use?: Feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this gluten-free?: Substitute the macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C) and prep a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of grease to prevent sticking. While that's warming up, cook your macaroni until it's al dente — you want that perfect bite, not mush. Drain it well and set it aside for now.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it's melted, stir in the flour to form a roux. Let this cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to keep it from burning. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Allow this to simmer until it thickens, which should take around 3-4 minutes.

Now, time to add the flavor: stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. With your sauce nicely seasoned, go ahead and add the cheeses — cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir continuously until they melt into a creamy, luscious sauce.

Combine the cooked macaroni with this cheese sauce, making sure every piece is well-coated. Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top. This will give you that irresistible crispy layer.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before you dig in — this helps the sauce set a little.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Uses a delicious three-cheese blend for maximum flavor.
Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
Baked to achieve that perfect crispy topping everyone loves.

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, forming a roux. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

6. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and creamy.

7. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, mixing well.

8. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

9. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.