Description
This baked mac and cheese recipe is creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs for the perfect texture contrast. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is well coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add more cheese to the sauce.
- Feel free to mix in cooked bacon or vegetables for added flavor.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 50
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, mac and cheese recipe, crispy breadcrumbs, comfort food, cheesy pasta