Description
Bring ultimate comfort to your table with this creamy, golden-topped Classic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. Made with sharp cheddar, rich béchamel sauce, and a buttery panko crust, this dish is everything you love about cheesy casseroles—ooey-gooey inside with a crispy baked top. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and fits perfectly into your weeknight dinner ideas or your cozy food ideas list. Whether you’re craving a hearty, satisfying side or a quick dinner fix, this easy recipe promises crowd-pleasing results every time. Perfect for lunch, dinner ideas, or a tasty potluck dish!
Ingredients
225g elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
3⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk and cream while whisking. Cook until thickened slightly.
5. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella (if using), mustard, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to combine.
7. Pour into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and dot with butter or drizzle with olive oil.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
10. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
Notes
Freshly shredded cheese melts much better and results in a smoother sauce.
For a crunchier top, broil for the last 2 minutes—but watch closely!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: classic macaroni and cheese, easy recipe, cheesy pasta, comfort food, dinner ideas