Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

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Baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a golden, crispy top that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday table, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the cheese sauce:

  • 4 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the topping:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Instructions:
    1. Cook the pasta:
      Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    2. Make the cheese sauce:
      • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.
      • Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
      • Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
      • Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
    3. Combine pasta and sauce:
      Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well until evenly coated.
    4. Prepare the topping:
      In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
    5. Assemble the dish:
      Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
    6. Bake:
      Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
    7. Serve:
      Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
    8. Tips for Success:
      • For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
      • Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
      • To make ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

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