Description
My Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, and comfort-filled meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400g elbow macaroni
- 50g unsalted butter
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 600ml whole milk
- 200g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 100g Gruyère cheese, grated
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and cook 1–2 mins.
- Whisk in milk gradually; cook until thickened.
- Add cheeses, mustard, spices, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Fold macaroni into sauce; pour into dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter; sprinkle on top.
- Bake 25–30 mins until golden and bubbly.
- Rest 5 mins before serving.
Notes
Use a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor. Slightly undercook pasta for perfect bake. Breadcrumb topping adds crunch. Reheat leftovers in the oven, covered.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 75