Kid's Favorite Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Treat your little ones to the ultimate comfort food with this Kid's Favorite Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe—perfectly creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. Featuring a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan—this dish is baked to perfection, blending rich flavors that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. A quick 15-minute prep time and family-friendly portion make it an ideal weeknight dinner or potluck favorite. Seasoned with just the right hint of garlic powder and pepper, and garnished with optional paprika for a pop of color, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality dish into your home kitchen. For guaranteed smiles and empty plates, make this baked macaroni and cheese the star of your next meal!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Half-and-half
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 1.5 cups Breadcrumbs, plain
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
- 0.25 tsp Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 4
Gradually pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Step 5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 6
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Gently stir until well combined, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Step 7
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and, if desired, lightly dust with paprika for added color.
Step 8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 9
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2096.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5329.6 |
| Total Fat 281.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 168.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g | |
| Cholesterol 843.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 7661.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 470.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 21.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 69.8g | |
| Protein 231.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 394.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium 5140.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 25.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2290.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories