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Delicious baked mac and cheese topped with golden breadcrumbs and melted cheese
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Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, comfort food, Family Recipe, Homemade Mac and Cheese
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or pasta shells Perfectly bite-sized shapes.
  • Salt for boiling water To enhance the pasta's natural flavor.

Cheese Sauce

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter Adds a rich, creamy flavor.
  • 6 tbsp all-purpose flour Thickens the cheese sauce.
  • 3 cups whole milk Provides creaminess and depth.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Makes it extra rich.
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard Adds a subtle kick of flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder For a savory touch.
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder Balances the dish nicely.
  • Salt & pepper to taste Seasoning is key.
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded The star cheese with bold flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded Adds a nutty, complex taste.
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Provides gooeyness.

Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs For a crunchy topping.
  • 3 tbsp melted butter Enhances the breadcrumb topping.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional) For extra cheesiness.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Cook the elbow macaroni or pasta shells in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat and whisk in all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  • Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until smooth and thick, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and mix in sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella until smooth.
  • Mix in the cooked pasta, ensuring all pieces are coated. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Topping and Baking

  • In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese. Add more cheddar if desired.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serving

  • Let the baked mac and cheese sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken or bacon. Mixing in steamed broccoli or spinach can boost the nutrition.