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A creamy baked mac and cheese dish with golden crust on top, served in a rustic ceramic ramekin with cheesy strings and crispy breadcrumbs, surrounded by fresh herbs, warm lighting highlighting the rich textures and vibrant cheese color.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Comfort Food

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A rich and creamy baked mac and cheese featuring tender pasta coated in a cheesy béchamel sauce, topped with crispy bread crumbs and baked to perfection.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
  3. Add cheddar, Parmesan, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • You can add cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Method: Bake, stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg