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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

A rich, creamy, and decadent baked mac and cheese that’s perfect for a comforting dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Holidays and Events
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 560 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp mustard powde
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

For the Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • 1. Cook the Pasta:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce:
    In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly to create a roux (a thick paste). Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
    Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
  • Transfer to Baking Dish:
    Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Prepare the Topping:
    In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese.Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake:
    Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.Optional: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy top.
  • Serve:
    Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • If you like your mac and cheese extra creamy, you can add an additional ½ cup of cheese to the sauce.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, and remember that cheese can add salt, so taste the sauce before adding more salt.
  • The cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat to balance the richness of the cheese. You can omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
Keyword Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese