Description
Mac and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners. This creamy and cheesy baked dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Ideal as a hearty main course that satisfies all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for about 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika evenly to infuse the sauce with flavor. Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese mixture is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly to set before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or steamed broccoli to enhance the dish with extra flavors and textures.
- Swap cheddar cheese with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
