Save to Pinterest A creamy, comforting classic featuring tender macaroni baked in a rich, cheesy sauce with a golden, crunchy topping. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight indulgence.
I first made baked macaroni and cheese for a cozy night in. The bubbling cheese and crisp topping made it the star of our dinner table.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour, 750 ml (3 cups) whole milk, 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt (or to taste), 1/2 tsp black pepper, 200 g (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese (grated), 100 g (1 cup) Gruyère cheese (grated), 50 g (1/2 cup) mozzarella cheese (grated)
- Topping: 60 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter (melted), 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prep the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni:
- Boil macaroni until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make Roux:
- Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add Milk and Cream:
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cook until thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Season:
- Stir in mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add Cheese:
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella until melted.
- Combine:
- Fold in drained macaroni, mix well.
- Assemble:
- Pour mixture into prepared dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- Mix panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle on macaroni.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Rest:
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest The first time my family shared this dish, everyone reached for seconds. Now it's always requested for special gatherings.
Required Tools
Large pot, saucepan, whisk, mixing bowls, 9x13 inch baking dish, grater
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, butter, cheese), wheat (flour, pasta), and gluten (panko, pasta, flour). If using store-bought breadcrumbs or pasta, double-check labels for additives or allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 610, Total Fat 33 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 23 g
Save to Pinterest Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience. Baked macaroni and cheese brings everyone to the table.
Questions & Answers
- → What cheese combination is used?
The dish blends sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella for a rich, creamy flavor and smooth melt.
- → How is the sauce thickened?
A roux made from butter and flour thickens the milk and cream mixture, creating a smooth cheese sauce.
- → What gives the topping its crunch?
Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan cheese form a golden, crispy crust.
- → Can the dish be customized?
Yes, adding cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or roasted vegetables enhances texture and flavor.
- → How to avoid mushy pasta?
Cooking the macaroni just shy of al dente ensures it remains firm after baking.
- → Are there any common allergens?
This dish contains dairy, wheat, and gluten from cheese, butter, pasta, and breadcrumbs.