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Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipes

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipes

Creamy, extra-cheesy baked mac and cheese with a crisp, buttery crumb topping. Cozy comfort ready for any weeknight.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter for the sauce
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cup whole milk warmed if possible
  • 0.75 cup half-and-half
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1.5 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs for topping
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for tossing the crumbs
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped optional, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Boil macaroni in well-salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Stir panko, Parmesan, and olive oil in a small bowl until evenly moistened. Set the topping aside.
  • Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in milk and half-and-half. Simmer, whisking, until the sauce thickens and coats a spoon.
  • Season the sauce with Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
  • Take the pot off heat. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese until smooth and glossy.
  • Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated.
  • Spread the mac and cheese into the prepared dish. Sprinkle evenly with the panko mixture.
  • Bake until bubbling at the edges and the top is golden, 18–22 minutes. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Variation: Swap half the cheddar for Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, or add crisp bacon bits to the topping. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days; reheat covered at 350°F with a splash of milk to loosen.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipes flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.