Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food, with its rich and creamy cheese sauce enveloping every piece of macaroni. This homemade mac and cheese recipe is perfect for family-friendly meals and will have everyone asking for seconds. With a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish takes easy mac and cheese to the next level, making it a favorite for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. The blend of cheeses creates layers of flavor that melt in your mouth, delivering a satisfying experience with every bite. Baked macaroni and cheese also offers endless possibilities for customization, making it a versatile dish to suit any palate.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheeses until melted and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Mix well until the macaroni is fully coated.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with paprika and sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
