Description
Indulge in this creamy and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese casserole, featuring a rich blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb layer, this ultimate comfort food is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, combining smooth cheese sauce with tender elbow macaroni baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (optional):
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preparing the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt). Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to halt the cooking process.
- Making the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to combine. Add the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Transfer the drained macaroni to a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently stir to coat all the macaroni evenly. At this stage, extras like cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or diced tomatoes can be folded in if desired.
- Preparing the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. If using, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture over the top to create a crunchy topping.
- Baking the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling and hot throughout.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or diced tomatoes before baking.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste prior to baking to suit your preference.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch and texture contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
