Baked Macaroni Cheese Classic (Print Version)

Tender pasta baked in rich cheddar and Gruyère, finished with a crispy, buttery topping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
03 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 3 cups whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
07 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
09 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
13 - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
14 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

→ Topping

15 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
16 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
17 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

# How to Make It:

01 - Set oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until slightly under al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes.
04 - Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, cooking until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
05 - Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
06 - Add grated cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
07 - Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
09 - Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika. Evenly sprinkle over the macaroni.
10 - Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
11 - Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Creamy and cheesy texture loved by all ages
  • Perfect for gatherings or easy weeknight meals
02 -
  • Substitute Gruyère with Monterey Jack or more cheddar for a milder flavor
  • Add cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or roasted vegetables for variation
03 -
  • For best flavor, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded
  • Bake uncovered for a crispy topping, or cover loosely for a softer crust
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