Description
Ultra Creamy Oven Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping is the ultimate comfort food made with rich cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a golden crunchy topping. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour to form a roux.
4. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened.
5. Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
8. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
9. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top along with extra cheese if desired.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Let rest for 5-10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
Add bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg