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The ULTIMATE Baked Macaroni and Cheese casserole with golden crust

The ULTIMATE Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy baked macaroni recipe with a golden breadcrumb topping and rich three-cheese sauce, representing comfort food at its finest.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi Elbow pasta is traditional, but cavatappi or shells hold the sauce better.

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter For the roux and topping.
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour For the roux.
  • 4 cups whole milk Warm the milk before adding to the roux.
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Provides flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese For smooth melt.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Adds stretch.
  • 1 tsp salt For seasoning.
  • ½ tsp mustard powder Adds subtle sharpness.
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika Optional for flavor enhancement.

Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs For topping.
  • 2 tbsp butter Melted, for topping.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Cook pasta one minute shy of package directions; drain and set aside.
  • Melt 4 tbsp butter in a large saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth; cooking until thickened.
  • Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella until melted.
  • Season with salt, mustard powder, and paprika.
  • Combine sauce with pasta, then pour into a greased baking dish.

Topping and Baking

  • Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle on top.
  • Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Serving

  • Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 23gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 640mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
Keyword Baked Mac and Cheese, cheesy pasta, Comfort Food, creamy mac and cheese, homemade baked macaroni
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