Description
Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a rich cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish lightly with butter.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, leaving slightly al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes without browning.
- Slowly add the whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps, then add the heavy cream and stir until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Gradually add 3 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
You can customize the cheese or add spices for extra flavor. For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and alternatives for butter and cream.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg