Veg Recipes Mason Williams February 2, 2025 0 Comments

Mac and Cheese Casserole

Few dishes bring comfort quite like a hearty, cheesy mac and cheese casserole. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a potluck gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is always a hit. Baked to perfection with a golden, crispy crust, this mac and cheese casserole is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a go-to dish.
Ultimate Comfort Food – Warm, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.
Great for Leftovers – This dish tastes just as good the next day.
Customizable – Add meats, veggies, or different cheeses to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta

1 lb elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded gouda (or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess)

For the Topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for added color and flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

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

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown (this removes the raw flour taste).
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda until melted and smooth.

3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is well-coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Prepare the Crispy Topping

In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, and smoked paprika.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Customizations and Variations

Add Protein: Stir in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or ground beef for a heartier meal.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetarian Twist: Mix in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
Extra Cheesy: Try mixing in cream cheese or Velveeta for even more creaminess.

Final Thoughts

Mac and cheese casserole is a timeless dish that never goes out of style. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to fit your taste, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crunch – it’s everything you want in a comfort meal.