Creamy Mac and Cheese
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.
Creamy Mac and Cheese 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 Ideas for Creamy Mac and Cheese
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 This Creamy Mac and Cheese Works
- 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.
- 10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- 11. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.