🧀 Baked Macaroni & Cheese 🔥🍽️
Classic creamy mac and cheese with a golden, crispy top—rich, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 min. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until melted and creamy.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to cheese sauce. Mix well and pour into baking dish.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle Parmesan over top. Bake 20–25 min until bubbly and golden. Broil 2–3 min for extra crispiness.
- Serve: Let rest 5 min. Scoop, stretch, and enjoy!
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Kcal: ~420 per serving
✨ Creamy inside, crispy on top—this mac and cheese is pure comfort in every bite!