Beyond Simple Macaroni Bake
Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly easy, the Beyond Simple Macaroni Bake is the ultimate weeknight dinner recipe that brings bold flavor with minimal effort. Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luscious homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish is crowned with a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping for the perfect textural contrast. Ready in under an hour, this comforting casserole is seasoned with garlic powder and black pepper to elevate its classic flavor profile, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright, optional finishing touch. Perfect for family meals or as a versatile side dish, this baked macaroni recipe offers the timeless appeal of homemade comfort food with a silky, cheesy twist. Ideal keywords: "creamy macaroni bake," "easy baked pasta recipe," "comfort food casserole," "cheesy pasta dish."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.75 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (approximately 8x8 inches) lightly with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring every piece is well-coated in the cheese sauce.
Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Allow the bake to cool slightly for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley (if using) and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2872 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 159.3 g | 204% | |
| Saturated Fat | 90.9 g | 454% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 448 mg | 149% | |
| Sodium | 3807 mg | 166% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 237.6 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.2 g | ||
| Protein | 129.2 g | 258% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 2836 mg | 218% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 974 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
