Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy homemade baked mac and cheese recipe, topped with golden breadcrumbs.
Author:Eliana Recipes
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Category:Dinner, Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and 3 cups of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can be made ahead; store in the refrigerator before baking.