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Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: Easy Homemade Baked Crust

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This creamy macaroni and cheese features a luscious cheese sauce and a golden, crunchy baked crust. It’s a nostalgic comfort food that’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (about 3 cups dry)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/4 tsp paprika

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 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
  4. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
  5. Remove pan from heat. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and ground mustard (if using).
  6. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until evenly coated.
  7. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  8. In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden and the edges are bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, cook pasta just shy of al dente and shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Press the breadcrumb topping lightly for a crunchier crust. You can make this gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk, and broiling restores the crust’s crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, casserole, easy dinner, kid-friendly, cheesy pasta, homemade mac and cheese

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-baked-crust/