Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cook the Pasta Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it 1-2 minutes shy of al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbling.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Lower the heat and add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well-coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Topping In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pasta.
Bake Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Choose Quality Cheese: Use high-quality, freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect melting.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
Customize Your Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky Gouda.
Add-ins for Extra Flavor: Mix-ins like cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted veggies can add unique twists to your mac and cheese.