Description
This Homestyle Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. It features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crispy, golden layer of panko breadcrumbs. It’s a classic dish perfect for family dinners and cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter until bubbly.
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and is creamy.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the baked mac and cheese cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy topping, drizzle a little melted butter over the breadcrumbs before baking.
- You can add steamed broccoli, tomatoes, or spinach to the macaroni and cheese mixture for a healthier version.
- Diced bacon, ham, or shredded chicken can be added for extra protein.
- Consider using Gruyère or smoked cheddar for a gourmet twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal (estimated)
- Sugar: Approximately 5-8g (estimated)
- Sodium: Approximately 600-800mg (estimated)
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-20g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10-15g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: Less than 1g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g (estimated)
- Fiber: Approximately 2-4g (estimated)
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g (estimated)
- Cholesterol: Approximately 80-100mg (estimated)