Description
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with a Twist Recipe
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled) or 1/2 cup cooked broccoli florets (for a veggie option)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon (or broccoli) and diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and dried parsley if using. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, delicious mac and cheese with a twist!
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Creamy Baked Mac Cheese