Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy)
If you’re craving a warm and comforting dish, this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy) is your answer. With its rich blend of three types of cheese melted into perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, this dish creates a gooey masterpiece that everyone will love. The crispy panko topping adds the perfect crunch, making each bite an experience to savor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this easy-to-make recipe will steal the show and brighten up the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk until thickened, then stir in salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to the baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg