Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This ultra-creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Made with a rich roux-based cheese sauce and finished with a golden breadcrumb topping, it's perfect for cozy family dinners or indulgent holiday sides.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 520kcal
Equipment
- 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
- 1 Saucepan For preparing cheese sauce
- 1 Whisk To mix the roux and sauce
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish For baking the macaroni
- 1 Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients
Ingredients
- Amount Unit Name Notes
- 1 lb elbow macaroni cooked al dente
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk warm
- 1 cup heavy cream cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika optional
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter for mixing with breadcrumbs for mixing with breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk and cream while whisking. Simmer until thickened.
- Lower heat and stir in all cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Fold in the drained macaroni until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
