Homemade Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, golden-baked Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe. Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, velvety sauce crafted from sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, and a hint of Parmesan, this dish takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. The luscious cheese sauce is perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion for a flavor-packed bite in every forkful. Topped with a crunchy mix of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this crowd-pleaser is as satisfying as it is simple to make. Ready in just 45 minutes and serving up to 6, this baked mac and cheese is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a holiday side dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
• 1/2 tsp granulated onion
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden, about 2 minutes.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and is well combined. Ensure no lumps remain.

Step 5

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and granulated onion. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and start adding the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in batches. Stir each batch until melted before adding the next. Once all the cheese is incorporated, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7

Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.

Step 8

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2067.6 grams (2067.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4958

Total Fat 234.50g	301%
Saturated Fat 140.90g	705%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.10g
Cholesterol 725mg	242%
Sodium 6707mg	292%
Total Carbohydrate 474.70g	173%
Dietary Fiber 19.40g	69%
Total Sugars 66.90g
Protein 236.80g	474%

Vitamin D 429IU	2147%
Calcium 4921mg	379%
Iron 20mg	112%
Potassium 1553mg	33%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.6%

Protein: 19.1%

Carbs: 38.3%