Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust and loaded with a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a make-ahead dish. Customize it with your favorite cheeses and add-ins for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Topping:
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Cheese:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping:
- Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake casserole for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cheese Variety: Swap in gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
