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Delicious baked mac and cheese recipe with creamy texture.

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

The Bright Food
This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is an easy and comforting delight that combines creamy cheese sauce with tender macaroni for a perfect dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish. Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook until golden. Gradually add milk and stir until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and mix in cheeses until melted. Combine with macaroni and pour into the baking dish.
  • Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

The cheese sauce may appear lumpy before fully melting; this is normal. For a different topping, crushed potato chips can replace breadcrumbs.
Keyword baked mac and cheese, cheesy, comfort food, easy