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Baked Mac and Cheese

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A creamy, cheesy, and comforting classic baked mac and cheese with a crunchy golden topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp butter (melted, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Stir until smooth.
  6. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and mix well.
  7. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until top is golden brown and bubbling.
  9. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can mix different cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for extra flavor.
  • Add cooked bacon or jalapeños for a twist.
  • Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, macaroni and cheese, oven mac and cheese

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