Classic Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Classic Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. This rich and creamy dish, topped with crispy breadcrumbs, is perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Learn how to make the best baked mac and cheese from scratch with our easy, step-by-step instructions. Customize your mac and cheese with our delicious tips and variations, including different cheeses, spices, and add-ins. Try our recipe today and experience the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and crispy texture!
Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling the macaroni.
- Large Saucepan: For making the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: To combine the roux and make a smooth cheese sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the pasta and sauce.
- Cheese Grater: To shred the cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish: For baking the mac and cheese.
- Small Bowl: To mix the breadcrumbs and olive oil.
- Oven Mitts: For safely handling the hot baking dish.
- Colander: For draining the cooked macaroni.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1/4 Cup Butter
- 1/4 Cup All-purpose flour
- 3 Cups Milk (whole milk for best results)
- 1 Cup Heavy cream
- 2 Cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 Cup Mozzarella (shredded)
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 Tsp Paprika
- 1 Cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Macaroni:In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux:In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
- Add Milk and Cream:Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese:Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
- Add the Topping:In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake:Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:Allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!