Description
Rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, this easy dinner recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts, this homemade macaroni and cheese bakes into a golden, buttery crust with gooey, cheesy goodness inside. A crowd-pleasing side dish or indulgent main that fits any list of food ideas — from quick meals to classic dinner ideas — this is your go-to easy recipe for guaranteed smiles.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
4. Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Stir drained macaroni into cheese sauce until well coated.
6. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top (if using).
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Shred your own cheese for best melting and flavor.
Don’t skip the roux — it keeps the sauce creamy and stable.
Add cooked bacon or jalapeños for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, easy dinner, baked pasta, comfort food, cheesy recipes