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Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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4.3 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe features tender elbow pasta enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar and cream cheese, topped with a buttery, crunchy Panko breadcrumb crust. Baked to perfection, this comforting classic is flavored with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of mustard for depth, making it a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound (450g) dry elbow pasta or pasta shells

Cheese Sauce

  • 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 Tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
  • 3 and 1/2 cups (about 14 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • dash of hot sauce (optional)
  • 3 ounces (85g) full-fat brick cream cheese

Topping

  • 1 cup (90g) Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (from the total 6 Tablespoons)

Optional Garnish

  • Finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get ready for baking the macaroni and cheese to a golden finish.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the dry pasta. Cook until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in 2 Tablespoons of butter to lightly coat the pasta and set aside.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan or oven-safe 12-inch skillet, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a thick paste and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Add salt, ground mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and optional hot sauce. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the buttered pasta in the bowl. Add the cream cheese and stir thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated and the cream cheese has melted.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture back into the original skillet or into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Melt the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter and mix with the Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the pasta.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbling. To prevent the breadcrumb topping from burning, cover the pasta halfway through baking.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the macaroni and cheese sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm. Be careful, it will be hot!

Notes

  • Using whole milk gives the sauce a creamy texture and rich flavor, but you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred.
  • For more intense flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Covering the dish halfway through baking helps prevent the breadcrumb crust from burning.
  • Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce to spice up the cheese sauce.
  • Letting the baked macaroni rest before serving ensures a better texture and easier portioning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/easy-baked-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/