There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, bubbly dish of Baked Mac and Cheese. It’s a timeless classic that brings families together around the dinner table, especially during festive seasonal occasions like Thanksgiving. Today, I am thrilled to share this delightful recipe with you, where creamy, cheesy macaroni is crowned with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. It’s not just a dish, but a heartfelt way to express love and creativity in your kitchen. So, let’s gather around the warmth of good food and great company to enjoy every delicious bite!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese and the Parmesan. Mix until fully melted and combined.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder if using.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Helpful Tips
For an extra creamy sauce, you can substitute half of the milk with more heavy cream. If you’re short on time, use pre-shredded cheese but shredding your own cheese will give a smoother, creamier texture. Feel free to add crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings.
Pairings
This Baked Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or a fresh, crisp garden salad. For drinks, consider a light white wine such as Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea.
I hope this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe brings warmth and joy to your family gatherings as it does ours. I’d love to see your creations, so please share them using #ZynahzRecipes or tag Zynahz on Instagram. Don’t forget to leave your feedback on the website https://www.zynahz.com/. For more delicious recipes and updates, subscribe to our newsletter and follow Zynahz on social media. Happy cooking!
