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Creamy and Cheesy Baked Macaroni Recipe

Creamy and Cheesy Baked Macaroni Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

This Creamy and Cheesy Baked Macaroni recipe features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce made with milk, cream, and a golden roux. Topped with a crispy buttery panko crumb layer and baked to golden perfection, this classic comfort food dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the macaroni and cheese.
  2. Cook the macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color, creating the base for your cheese sauce.
  4. Add liquids and thicken sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Season the sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce.
  6. Add cheese: Gradually mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until all cheese has melted smoothly into the sauce.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce thoroughly to ensure every piece is well coated.
  8. Prepare for baking: Pour the cheesy macaroni into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
  9. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
  10. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

  • For a more intense cheesy flavor, you can add extra sharp cheddar or a bit of smoked cheese.
  • To keep the mac and cheese moist, avoid overbaking, which can dry out the dish.
  • Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs for a different texture.
  • Use whole milk and heavy cream for the creamiest sauce; lower fat milk options might change the dish’s richness.
  • This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake it covered and add extra baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni, comfort food, cheesy pasta, homemade mac and cheese, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, creamy cheese sauce

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/creamy-and-cheesy-baked-macaroni-recipe/