Baked Macaroni Cheese Delight (Print Version)

Tender macaroni baked in rich cheese sauce with a golden, crunchy topping ideal for comfort meals.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
03 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 3 cups whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
07 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
09 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
13 - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
14 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

→ Topping

15 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
16 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
17 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil salted water in a large pot. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/3 cup all-purpose flour continuously for 1–2 minutes until combined.
04 - Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream, cooking until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
05 - Stir in the grated sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
06 - Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
07 - Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
08 - In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni.
09 - Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
10 - Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to facilitate easier slicing.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Rich, creamy cheese sauce for ultimate comfort
  • Crispy golden topping adds delicious texture
02 -
  • This dish contains dairy and gluten; check product labels if you have allergies
  • For an extra flavor boost, use freshly grated cheese and avoid pre-shredded blends
03 -
  • Undercook macaroni slightly so it stays tender after baking
  • Melt cheeses off the heat for a smoother, lump-free sauce
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