Kid's Macaroni Cheese Casserole

Give dinner a kid-approved upgrade with this creamy and comforting Kid's Macaroni Cheese Casserole! Made with tender elbow macaroni and smothered in a velvety cheese sauce loaded with sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella, this recipe is pure comfort in every bite. Topped with a golden, crispy layer of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, it combines creamy and crunchy textures for the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder for a subtle flavor boost, this casserole is baked to perfection in just 30 minutes, making it an easy weeknight go-to or a party favorite. Serve it warm, and watch the smiles roll in—this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 3 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

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 large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and add 2 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat the macaroni evenly.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 10

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1750.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4647.5

Total Fat 252.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 140.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 699.8mg	0%
Sodium 6701.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 389.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 54.8g
Protein 210.3g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4590.1mg	0%
Iron 20.2mg	0%
Potassium 1601.7mg	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: 48.7%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 33.3%