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 crispy breadcrumb layer, this ultimate comfort food recipe is perfect for satisfying family dinners and gatherings.
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, adding about 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Making the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns light golden. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well. Add the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Transfer the drained macaroni into a large mixing bowl and pour the cheese sauce over it. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. At this stage, you can fold in extras like cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or diced tomatoes if desired for added flavor.
- Preparing the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. If using, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top to create a crunchy crust.
- Baking the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or diced tomatoes before baking.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference prior to baking the casserole.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but provides a delicious crunchy texture to the dish.
