Very Cheesy Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Very Cheesy Casserole, a rich and creamy baked pasta dish that’s perfect for cheese lovers. Featuring a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan—this casserole delivers layers of bold, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. The secret lies in the velvety homemade roux-based sauce, made with whole milk, heavy cream, and a hint of garlic powder for added depth. Topped with an optional breadcrumb crust for a golden, crunchy finish, this easy-to-make recipe is ready in under an hour and serves as a crowd-pleasing side or hearty main dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, serve it alongside a fresh salad or warm garlic bread for a meal that's as satisfying as it is cheesy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 4 tablespoons 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
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 serving Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of the cheddar cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Top with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top for a crisp, golden crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Very Cheesy Casserole with a crispy salad or garlic bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5772 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 355.2 g | 455% | |
| Saturated Fat | 217.2 g | 1086% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1054 mg | 351% | |
| Sodium | 8402 mg | 365% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 371.0 g | 135% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.5 g | ||
| Protein | 256.3 g | 513% | |
| Vitamin D | 15.1 mcg | 75% | |
| Calcium | 5810 mg | 447% | |
| Iron | 11.4 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 2060 mg | 44% | |
*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.
