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A golden-brown crusted baked mac and cheese dish served in a white ceramic baking dish. The top is bubbly and crispy with hints of melted cheese and breadcrumb topping, with steam rising gently. The creamy macaroni is visible along the edges, contrast of cheesy yellow and toasted topping with a rustic serving spoon nearby.

Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Comfort Food

Description

Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese: The Creamiest & Crispiest Cheesy Delight 🧀✨🥘. This baked mac and cheese recipe offers a perfect blend of creamy cheese sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, making it the ultimate comfort food for any cheese lover. Rich, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy, this dish is guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for topping
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter for the crust

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  3. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
  5. Pour the cheese sauce over cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated. Transfer into a greased baking dish.
  6. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil, then sprinkle on top of the pasta mixture.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

Notes

  • Use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar and Parmesan for rich flavor.
  • Cook pasta until just al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or hot sauce for variation.
  • Ensure breadcrumbs are evenly distributed for a uniform crispy crust.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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Find it online: https://recipeswonders.com/baked-mac-and-cheese/