Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a creamy, sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. This indulgent dish combines rich flavors of garlic and mustard powder for a deliciously satisfying experience perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a smooth paste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking frequently to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add milk and seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, mustard powder, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all pasta is fully coated.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Assemble and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Optionally, sprinkle paprika for color and flavor. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked macaroni and cheese warm.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce or 2% milk for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- Breadcrumb topping can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko for different textures.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
Keywords: baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy mac and cheese, comfort food, baked pasta, cheddar macaroni
