Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese. With a gooey interior and a golden, bubbly crust, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, it’s a timeless favorite that’s sure to impress!
PrintClassic Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from heat, then add 3 cups of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Bake the Mac and Cheese: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top for a golden crust.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips:
- Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier mac and cheese, substitute some of the milk with additional heavy cream.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For a crispy topping, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for added flavor.
This classic baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for gatherings or as a side for any meal. The gooey, cheesy interior paired with a crispy top makes every bite irresistible!