Very Cheesy Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Very Cheesy Casserole, a rich and creamy baked pasta dish that’s perfect for cheese lovers. Featuring a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan—this casserole delivers layers of bold, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. The secret lies in the velvety homemade roux-based sauce, made with whole milk, heavy cream, and a hint of garlic powder for added depth. Topped with an optional breadcrumb crust for a golden, crunchy finish, this easy-to-make recipe is ready in under an hour and serves as a crowd-pleasing side or hearty main dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, serve it alongside a fresh salad or warm garlic bread for a meal that's as satisfying as it is cheesy.
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces Elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 serving Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
Step 4
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 5
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of the cheddar cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Step 7
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Step 8
Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Step 9
Top with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 10
If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top for a crisp, golden crust.
Step 11
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Step 12
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Very Cheesy Casserole with a crispy salad or garlic bread!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2128.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5693.9 |
| Total Fat 345.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 210.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g | |
| Cholesterol 1090.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 8711.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 369.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 47.8g | |
| Protein 256.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 403.0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 5875.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2262.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories