Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Indulge in this creamy and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese, featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer, this comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (optional):
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preparing the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt). Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Making the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns light golden. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth and cheese is melted.
- Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to fully coat the pasta. Optional: fold in extras such as cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or diced tomatoes if desired.
- Preparing the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Baking the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning before baking as per your taste preferences.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunchy texture.
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, comfort food, casserole, cheesy pasta, family dinner, easy dinner recipe
