Mom's Cheesy Casserole Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Mom's Cheesy Casserole Baked Mac and Cheese, a rich and creamy delight your whole family will love. Loaded with layers of melty sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this homemade mac and cheese achieves the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and velvety texture, thanks to a luscious roux-based sauce made from whole milk and heavy cream. Topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs seasoned with paprika, this baked casserole transforms into a crispy, crunchy masterpiece straight from the oven. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to follow, ready in under an hour, and serves a generous crowd of eight. With its irresistible blend of gooey cheese, al dente elbow macaroni, and a crowd-pleasing crispy finish, it’s destined to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.25 tsp paprika

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure the mixture stays smooth. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and paprika. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

Step 11

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2101.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5846.8

Total Fat 332.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 199.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 1001.8mg	0%
Sodium 6336.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 464.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.4g	0%
Total Sugars 55.2g
Protein 229.1g	0%

Vitamin D 322.1IU	0%
Calcium 4624.2mg	0%
Iron 20.3mg	0%
Potassium 1188.5mg	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: 51.9%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 32.2%