This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich and velvety cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, cooking until thickened.
- Season the Sauce:
- Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Stir until fully melted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings
Tips:
- Mix different cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Add cooked bacon, lobster, or vegetables for a delicious twist!
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking for the best texture.
Enjoy this decadent, creamy baked mac and cheese that will have everyone coming back for seconds!