Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for the BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, it’s a classic favorite for a reason.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in milk and cream until thickened. Add seasonings and cheeses.
- Combine macaroni and cheese sauce: Stir in the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Pour into the baking dish.
- Add topping: Mix breadcrumbs with butter and paprika. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture.
