Description
A creamy, cheesy classic comfort food, this baked mac and cheese recipe features tender pasta, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy golden topping. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg