Description
Craving the ultimate comfort food? This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese delivers rich, gooey cheese sauce over perfectly cooked elbow pasta, baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re planning easy dinners, potluck food ideas, or crave a nostalgic family favorite, this easy recipe hits the mark. It’s one of the best dinner ideas to satisfy a crowd and comes together with simple ingredients. Think quick comfort food, ideal for both weekday meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
225g elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Monterey Jack)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens.
4. Reduce heat and stir in cheeses (reserving some cheddar for topping) until melted and velvety.
5. Mix pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheddar and optional breadcrumbs.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For an extra crunchy top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes after baking.
Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties—it’s worth the effort!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 95mg