Description
This baked mac and cheese is ultra creamy, super cheesy, and topped with a crispy, buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you crave classic comfort food!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Season the sauce: Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add an additional ½ cup of cheese to the sauce.
- Try mixing different cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for more flavor.
- For a smoky kick, add cooked bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.