Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
Delicious homemade baked mac and cheese with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and smooth.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top (optional).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or diced jalapeños.
- Use a mix of cheeses for added depth, like Gruyère or mozzarella.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Find it online: https://janarecipes.com/homemade-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/