Easy Cheese Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Cheese Bake, a rich and creamy dish that combines three cheeses—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan—for a perfectly gooey and flavorful experience. This baked macaroni recipe features al dente elbow pasta smothered in a velvety homemade cheese sauce, then topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust sprinkled with parmesan and optional paprika for an extra burst of flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, serving six generous portions. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this cheesy casserole is a must-try for any cheese lover!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika (optional, for topping)
- 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 3-4 minutes, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the salt and black pepper, and mix well.
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, stirring gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining parmesan cheese and paprika (if using). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Allow the cheese bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
526 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.4 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.5 g | 93% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 85 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 966 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.8 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 25.5 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 582 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 226 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.
