Description
Indulge in the comfort of creamy baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. A perfect dish for cozy nights or gatherings.
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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9ร13 inch baking dish or a similar size casserole dish lightly with butter.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, making sure to leave it slightly al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the flour, whisking constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes without letting it brown to create a roux.
- Slowly add the whole milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Follow with the heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and smoked paprika to the milk mixture, whisking until well combined.
- Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese gradually until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is lightly browned. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra crunch, broil the top for an additional minute or two at the end. Can enhance flavor with sautรฉed onions or garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg