Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese
This Southern-style baked mac and cheese combines creamy cheese sauce with layers of cheddar, Gruyere, and a hint of paprika for flavor depth. Topped with a golden crust, it’s a dish that feels right at home on any dinner table.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half and half
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for kick)
Optional Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Oven & Dish
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook Pasta
Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make Roux
Melt butter in saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. - Build Sauce
Slowly whisk in milk and half and half. Simmer until thickened. Stir in mustard powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. - Add Cheese
Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, Gruyere, and mozzarella until smooth. - Combine Pasta & Sauce
Toss cooked pasta into sauce until coated. Spread evenly into baking dish. - Optional Topping
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over pasta. - Bake
Bake uncovered 30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Add cayenne or smoked paprika for extra flavor depth.
- Mix cheeses for the perfect melt and flavor complexity.
- Broil the top for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 610 | 23g | 43g | 35g | 2g | 5g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
