Description
This Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe features a creamy blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection with a crunchy panko topping. Comforting and rich, it’s perfect as a main dish or a hearty side, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions to ensure it finishes cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which helps thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to create a smooth mixture. Add the Dijon mustard if desired, along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
- Mix Cheese and Pasta: Lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, paprika if using, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well so the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the dish is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy homemade baked mac and cheese!
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and richest flavor.
- For added flavor and texture, try mixing in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted broccoli.
- Leftovers reheat well either in the oven or microwave; add a splash of milk to restore creaminess when reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
