Description
A creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish topped with crispy breadcrumbs, perfect for family gatherings and comforting meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of flour for about 2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the macaroni and cheese into it, spreading evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, and herbs. Toss and sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, incorporate sautéed mushrooms or veggies. Good-quality cheese enhances the taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, baked macaroni