Description
Creamy and cheesy baked mac and cheese topped with crispy golden breadcrumbs. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays, this classic comfort dish is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta: 16 oz elbow macaroni
- Cheeses:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: Smoked paprika or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Stir in shredded cheeses, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg