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Mac & Cheese (Super Cheesy & Baked to Perfection!)

This baked mac and cheese recipe features creamy, cheesy pasta, topped with a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb crust. With sharp cheddar and mozzarella for flavor and creaminess, it's the ultimate comfort food that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Optional additions like Turkey Bacon and parsley offer an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

To create this perfect baked mac and cheese, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
  • 2 cups whole milk you can use 2% if needed
  • 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for creaminess and stretchiness
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter for the topping
  • Optional for extra flair:
  • Turkey Bacon bits for a smoky crunch
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

How to Make Super Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese

    Step 1: Boil the Pasta

    • Start by cooking the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente so that the pasta maintains its structure when baked. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

    • While the pasta is cooking, you can begin working on the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and forms a roux. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free sauce.
    • Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to combine the ingredients. Once the mixture thickens, add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue whisking until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
    • Now, it’s time to add the cheese! Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, letting them melt into the sauce. This is where the magic happens — the sauce becomes velvety, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious.

    Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

    • Pour the cooked pasta into the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is completely coated with the cheesy goodness. At this point, you can taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary — feel free to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preferences.

    Step 4: Prepare the Topping

    • To give your mac and cheese that irresistible crispy topping, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl. Stir to coat the breadcrumbs in the butter, ensuring that they’ll crisp up beautifully when baked.

    Step 5: Assemble and Bake

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the buttery panko breadcrumbs over the top, covering the entire surface.
    • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If you like an extra-crispy top, you can broil the mac and cheese for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.

    Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

    • Once your baked mac and cheese is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve it as a main dish or as a side to accompany your favorite proteins, like fried chicken or grilled steak.

    Notes

    • Cheese Blend: Use a sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Mozzarella helps create a creamy texture.
    • Creaminess: For extra richness, make sure to use whole milk and heavy cream.
    • Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the best crispy topping, but regular breadcrumbs will work too.
    • Optional Additions: Turkey Bacon bits and fresh parsley are great for added flavor and garnish.
    Keyword mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, comfort food, creamy cheese, crispy topping, cheddar, mozzarella, pasta