Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Baked Macaroni Cheese

Creamy Baked Macaroni Cheese: 7 Steps to Perfection

  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy baked macaroni and cheese features a silky cheese sauce made from a blend of cheddar, gouda, and parmesan, topped with a crispy golden panko crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • Salt (for boiling water)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 6-7 minutes, until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until slightly nutty but not browned.
  4. Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
  5. Lower heat. Add cheddar, gouda, parmesan, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and sauce is glossy. Season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce and stir gently until coated. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk.
  7. Pour macaroni and cheese into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  8. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated parmesan. Mix until crumbs are coated. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until topping is golden and edges are bubbling. For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Let casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 35 minutes
    • Category: Main dish
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 400
    • Sugar: 3g
    • Sodium: 700mg
    • Fat: 22g
    • Saturated Fat: 13g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 35g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Protein: 16g
    • Cholesterol: 70mg

    Keywords: Creamy Baked Macaroni Cheese

    Find it online: https://www.recipesmolly.com/creamy-baked-macaroni-cheese/