Pin It A creamy, comforting classic featuring tender macaroni baked in a rich, cheesy sauce with a golden, crunchy topping. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight indulgence.
I remember the first time I baked this for a holiday gathering, and everyone came back for seconds. It's now a requested comfort dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour, 750 ml (3 cups) whole milk, 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, or to taste, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 200 g (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, grated, 100 g (1 cup) Gruyère cheese, grated, 50 g (1/2 cup) mozzarella cheese, grated
- Topping: 60 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted, 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook macaroni until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 60 g butter. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Create Sauce:
- Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until slightly thickened, 4–5 minutes.
- Season Sauce:
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Add Cheese:
- Add cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine:
- Fold in the drained macaroni until evenly coated.
- Assemble:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping:
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Pin It My youngest loves helping sprinkle the crunchy topping, and we always share a huge helping at the family table.
Required Tools
Large pot, saucepan, whisk, mixing bowls, 9x13 inch baking dish, grater
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 610, Total Fat 33 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 23 g
Recipe Variations
Try adding sautéed onions, bacon bits, roasted vegetables, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
Pin It This baked macaroni and cheese delivers total comfort in every bite. Make it for a crowd—there won't be leftovers.