Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. A dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Macaroni:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with 2 tablespoons of butter, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream until smooth. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- For the topping, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Substitute cheeses with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a unique flavor.
- To make it ahead, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg