Description
Creamy homemade baked mac & cheese delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, melding sharp cheddar with velvety sauce. Crispy breadcrumb topping and rich cheese blend promise a hearty meal that welcomes you to savor classic southern hospitality.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a rectangular baking vessel with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Boil the macaroni in salted water until tender, ensuring it maintains a slight firmness. Drain thoroughly and toss with melted butter to prevent clumping.
- Create a golden roux by melting butter in a spacious saucepan, then whisk in flour, stirring continuously until the mixture develops a pale, nutty hue.
- Gradually introduce warm milk and cream into the roux, whisking methodically to eliminate any potential lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, developing a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Enhance the sauce’s flavor profile by incorporating Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Fold in shredded cheeses, stirring until they melt completely and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Transfer the macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated. Pour the cheesy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Craft a crispy topping by combining breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Distribute the mixture uniformly across the mac and cheese surface.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake until the top turns golden brown and the interior becomes effervescent with bubbling cheese. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust and complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Consider using gluten-free pasta and replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Experiment with additional mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or caramelized onions to create unique variations and personalize the mac and cheese.
- Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg