Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy Macaroni Cheese recipe. Perfectly baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Make a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in the warmed milk and cream. Add seasonings and cheese until melted.
- Combine and Bake: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Enhance the dish with cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like Gruyère or fontina for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
