Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from a trio of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked to golden perfection. A hint of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper adds a subtle depth of flavor, while an optional crispy breadcrumb topping takes this classic dish to the next level. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the ideal side dish or main course for weeknight dinners, holidays, or any occasion. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious—this baked mac and cheese is sure to be a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 340 grams elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup breadcrumb topping (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbling to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using breadcrumbs, toss them with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
862 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.1 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.9 g | 160% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 153 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 1034 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.0 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.5 g | ||
| Protein | 33.9 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 768 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 247 mg | 5% | |
*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.
