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Best Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Name: Best Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 240 g
Ingredients: elbow macaroni 12 oz; sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups; mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup; whole milk 2 cups; unsalted butter 4 tbsp; all-purpose flour 3 tbsp; kosher salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; mustard powder 0.5 tsp; paprika 0.25 tsp; panko breadcrumbs 1 cup; parmesan cheese, grated 0.5 cup

Baked mac and cheese casserole with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping over creamy, cheesy pasta is a vegetarian family comfort classic. Rich, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing, it's a holiday table must-have.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 420 kcal

#vegetarian #comfort food #holiday #baked casserole

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

elbow macaroni 12 oz
sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups
mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup
whole milk 2 cups
unsalted butter 4 tbsp
all-purpose flour 3 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

kosher salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
mustard powder 0.5 tsp
paprika 0.25 tsp
panko breadcrumbs 1 cup
parmesan cheese, grated 0.5 cup

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 40 g 38%

Protein 17 g 16%

Fat 21 g 45%

Serving size 240g

Cooking steps

1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until bubbling but not browned.
4

Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
5

Remove from heat; fold in sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6

Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, mixing well. Pour into prepared baking dish.
7

For the topping, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni mixture.
8

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp and cheese is bubbling. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving for clean slices.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this baked mac and cheese casserole?

The key ingredient in this baked mac and cheese casserole is sharp cheddar cheese, which provides the signature rich flavor. The blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives a perfectly creamy texture, while panko breadcrumbs and parmesan ensure a golden, crispy top.

Q. How can I get a creamy sauce without curdling or burning the milk?

To prevent the sauce from curdling, cook the roux (butter and flour) over medium heat, then slowly whisk in whole milk, stirring constantly. Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer—never a boil—and add the cheese off the direct heat to melt smoothly without separating.

Q. How do I achieve a perfectly crisp breadcrumb topping without overbaking?

Sprinkle the panko and parmesan topping just before baking, and bake uncovered at 375°F until the top turns golden. Avoid baking too long, as this can dry out the casserole; 25-30 minutes is ideal for a bubbly bottom and crispy top.

Q. What are the nutrition facts per serving for this mac and cheese casserole?

Each 240g serving has approximately 420 kcal, with about 40g carbohydrates (38%), 17g protein (16%), and 21g fat (45%). This makes it a hearty comfort dish, best enjoyed in moderation.

Best Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

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