The Cheesiest and Most Epic Casserole
Indulge in pure comfort food bliss with "The Cheesiest and Most Epic Casserole," a dish that takes creamy, cheesy perfection to the next level. This pasta casserole features a rich, velvety sauce made from a mouthwatering blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, all enhanced with aromatic seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Topped with golden, buttery Italian breadcrumbs, every bite delivers a perfect contrast of creamy decadence and crispy texture. Ideal for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make casserole bakes to bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch, and fall in love with the ultimate cheesy pasta bake! Keywords: cheesy casserole, creamy pasta bake, comfort food recipe, easy casserole dinner, family-friendly meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a bit of butter.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly, to create a smooth sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until a thick and creamy cheese sauce forms.
Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole to create a crispy topping.
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy the cheesiest, most epic casserole experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5782 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 395.1 g | 507% | |
| Saturated Fat | 232.4 g | 1162% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1201 mg | 400% | |
| Sodium | 9169 mg | 399% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 314.6 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.8 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 57.4 g | ||
| Protein | 239.1 g | 478% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.1 mcg | 50% | |
| Calcium | 6065 mg | 467% | |
| Iron | 15.3 mg | 85% | |
| Potassium | 2305 mg | 49% | |
*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.
