Easy Cheese Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Cheese Bake, a rich and creamy dish that combines three cheeses—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan—for a perfectly gooey and flavorful experience. This baked macaroni recipe features al dente elbow pasta smothered in a velvety homemade cheese sauce, then topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust sprinkled with parmesan and optional paprika for an extra burst of flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, serving six generous portions. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this cheesy casserole is a must-try for any cheese lover!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika (optional, for topping)
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 3-4 minutes, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the salt and black pepper, and mix well.

Step 6

Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, stirring gently until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining parmesan cheese and paprika (if using). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Allow the cheese bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1203.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3130.6

Total Fat 171.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 102.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g
Cholesterol 543.5mg	0%
Sodium 6514.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 249.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.3g	0%
Total Sugars 37.3g
Protein 151.4g	0%

Vitamin D 271.7IU	0%
Calcium 3497.3mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 1145.4mg	0%

*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: 49.0%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 31.7%