A rich, creamy, and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy golden topping, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Made with a velvety cheese sauce and finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you crave indulgent, homemade goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Cheese Sauce: A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the perfect melt.
- Crispy, Golden Topping: Panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps with pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a side dish or a main meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the cheese blend or add mix-ins like bacon or jalapeños.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese (reserving some for topping). Stir until melted and smooth.
- Mix in the cooked pasta, ensuring it’s fully coated in the cheese sauce. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for added flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend.
- Stovetop Version: Skip the baking step and serve immediately after mixing the pasta with the sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked mac and cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or in the microwave with a splash of milk.
FAQs
1. How do I prevent my mac and cheese from being dry?
Use whole milk and heavy cream for extra moisture, and don’t overbake.
2. What’s the best cheese for macaroni and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but mixing in mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gouda adds depth.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
4. How do I make my mac and cheese extra creamy?
Use heavy cream, fresh cheese (not pre-shredded), and a little extra butter for the best texture.
5. Can I make this without baking it?
Yes! Just mix the pasta with the cheese sauce and serve it immediately for a stovetop version.
6. How do I keep the cheese from becoming grainy?
Don’t overheat the cheese sauce—melt the cheese over low to medium heat and stir constantly.
7. Can I add vegetables to mac and cheese?
Yes! Stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
8. Can I make mac and cheese without butter?
Yes, but butter enhances the flavor and texture. Substitute with olive oil if needed.
9. What can I serve with macaroni and cheese?
Pair with BBQ ribs, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
10. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can make the sauce grainy. For best results, shred cheese from a block.
Conclusion
This baked macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy golden crust—making it the perfect comfort food. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this homemade version beats any store-bought mac and cheese. Try it today and enjoy rich, melty goodness in every bite!
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Macaroni and Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, creamy, and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy golden topping—perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Stir in mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and cheeses (reserving some for topping). Mix until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
- Want it extra creamy? Add an extra 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Prefer a crispier topping? Broil for the last 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
