Mueller's Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Dive into pure comfort with Mueller's Baked Macaroni and Cheese, a timeless classic that combines creamy, homemade cheese sauce with tender elbow macaroni, baked to golden perfection. This recipe features a rich blend of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella, creating a luscious, velvety texture that melts in every bite. The optional crispy panko breadcrumb and Parmesan topping adds a satisfying crunch, while a hint of paprika elevates the dish with gentle warmth. Ready in just 45 minutes and serving up to six, this hearty casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a Thanksgiving side dish. Easy to make and irresistibly cheesy, this baked mac and cheese will quickly become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional, for topping)
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.

Step 8

If using a topping, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the macaroni, then lightly dust with paprika if desired.

Step 9

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

Step 10

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1194.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3167.1

Total Fat 169.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 101.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 513.0mg	0%
Sodium 4145.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 265.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.8g	0%
Total Sugars 33.7g
Protein 145.0g	0%

Vitamin D 218.7IU	0%
Calcium 3168.8mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 843.6mg	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: 48.2%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 33.5%