Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese: 3 Secrets to Creamy Perfection
Golden, bubbly baked mac and cheese – the ultimate comfort food with creamy cheese sauce and crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream until thick and smooth.
- Lower heat and stir in cheeses until melted. Season with spices.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce and transfer to baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use warm milk to prevent lumps in sauce
- Undercook pasta slightly since it will bake more
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg