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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with 3-Cheese Comfort

creamy baked mac and cheese
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A rich and creamy baked mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Extra black pepper for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  4. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is thick and creamy.
  6. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
  9. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
  10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
  11. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  12. Garnish with fresh thyme and extra black pepper before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for best melting.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: easy mac and cheese recipe, baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, homemade mac and cheese, cast iron mac and cheese

Find it online: https://jessicarecipe.com/creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/