Baked Mac and Cheese
This Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe features creamy, gooey pasta blanketed with layers of bubbling cheese and a perfectly crisp, golden crust, making it a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese For best results, freshly grated.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For best results, freshly grated.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of paprika
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until slightly golden and fragrant.
- Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 4–5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and velvety. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated in the rich, creamy cheese sauce.
Assembly and Baking
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and a pinch of paprika.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, sprinkle the topping evenly over the top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The inside should be creamy and the top perfectly crisp.
Notes
Freshly grate your cheese for optimal melting. For added creaminess, include a splash of heavy cream in the sauce. You can prepare the dish a day in advance and bake just before serving. Consider adding cooked chicken, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrition.