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Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese

creamy baked cheddar mac-and-cheese - featured image
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A rich and velvety baked cheddar mac-and-cheese with a golden, crispy topping—perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  6. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and mix until well-coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  7. In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the mac-and-cheese.
  8. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
  9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Shred your own cheese for smoother melting and fresher taste.’, ‘Add a dollop of sour cream to the cheese sauce for extra creaminess.’, ‘Don’t overcook the pasta before baking—it will continue cooking in the oven.’, ‘Use smoked paprika sparingly for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Broil the dish for the last 2–3 minutes for a stronger crust.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mac-and-cheese, baked mac-and-cheese, comfort food, cheddar mac-and-cheese, creamy mac-and-cheese

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/creamy-baked-cheddar-mac-and-cheese-recipe-for-perfect-comfort/