Description
Tender pasta baked with a rich blend of three cheeses for a creamy, gooey mac and cheese everyone loves.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
4. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
5. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
6. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
7. Add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
9. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish.
10. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and paprika if using.
11. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pasta.
12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
13. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, use whole milk and freshly shredded cheese.
Do not overcook the pasta before baking, since it will continue to cook in the oven.
You can add steamed broccoli or cooked chicken for a heartier variation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg