Description
Comfort classic macaroni and cheese casserole delivers rich, cheesy goodness straight from grandma’s kitchen. Melted cheddar, creamy sauce, and golden breadcrumb topping promise pure culinary satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Dairy and Fat Components:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Seasonings and Optional Topping:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Boil macaroni in salted water until tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle flour into melted butter, whisking constantly to create a golden roux without burning, about 1 minute.
- Gradually pour warm milk and cream into the roux, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and create a silky consistency.
- Simmer sauce until thickened, approximately 4 minutes, stirring consistently to maintain smooth texture.
- Reduce heat and incorporate cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Season sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors as needed.
- Gently fold macaroni into cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and sprinkling additional cheese on top if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 22-26 minutes until top turns golden and edges become crispy.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to create a more caramelized cheese crust.
- Allow casserole to rest 7-10 minutes before serving to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Choose high-moisture cheeses like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for maximum creaminess and flavor depth.
- Prevent grainy sauce by adding cheese off direct heat and stirring gently to maintain smooth texture.
- Use whole milk or heavy cream for richer, more luxurious mac and cheese consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 100mg