Macaroni Cheese Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Macaroni Cheese Casserole, a baked classic that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Made with tender elbow macaroni, a luscious homemade cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and topped with a golden-crisp breadcrumb crust, this dish delivers layers of gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite. Infused with a hint of ground mustard for depth and paprika for a touch of warmth, this casserole is as flavorful as it is satisfying. Ready in under an hour, it’s easy to prepare and serves up to six people, with plenty of leftovers—if you’re lucky! Whether you’re craving a decadent side dish or a crowd-pleasing main, this baked macaroni and cheese casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams elbow macaroni
- 60 grams unsalted butter
- 35 grams all-purpose flour
- 700 milliliters whole milk
- 250 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons ground mustard powder (optional)
- 100 grams breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it turns light golden.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until smooth and fully melted. Season with salt, black pepper, and mustard powder, if using.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to coat all the pasta evenly.
Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil and mix until coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni mixture. If desired, dust the top with paprika for added color and flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4791 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 219.6 g | 282% | |
| Saturated Fat | 122.8 g | 614% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 616 mg | 205% | |
| Sodium | 7338 mg | 319% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 498.6 g | 181% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.6 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.1 g | ||
| Protein | 210.8 g | 422% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.3 mcg | 46% | |
| Calcium | 4016 mg | 309% | |
| Iron | 25.5 mg | 142% | |
| Potassium | 1507 mg | 32% | |
*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.
