Description
The ultimate comfort food that blends a creamy, cheesy sauce with a crisp, golden topping for a memorable experience.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter (for roux)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat and add 3 tbsp flour, stirring for 1 minute.
- Add 2 cups milk gradually, whisking continuously until thickened (4–6 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Stir in mustard, salt, and pepper, then fold in cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the greased dish and spread evenly.
- Mix Panko with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle over the pasta.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, use freshly shredded cheeses and follow the tips for avoiding a grainy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta