Are you looking for a delicious and easy baked mac & cheese recipe that will satisfy your cravings without requiring hours of cooking? Look no further! This simple yet flavorful recipe will take you through the steps to create a comforting dish that the whole family will love.
Mac & cheese is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a cozy meal at home, this easy baked mac & cheese recipe is the perfect choice. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious batch of creamy, golden mac & cheese in no time.
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy baked mac & cheese recipe:
– 1 box (16 oz) elbow macaroni
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
Now, let’s move on to the preparation steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until a roux forms.
4. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to bubble. This should take about 5 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and well combined.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss until evenly coated.
8. Transfer the mac & cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) together.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac & cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
12. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
And that’s it! You now have a mouthwatering, easy baked mac & cheese recipe that’s sure to impress. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness. Happy cooking!
