Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
The pasta
-
1
pound
dry elbow pasta or pasta shells
The cheese sauce
-
6
Tablespoons
unsalted butter
-
3
Tablespoons
all-purpose flour
-
3
cups
whole milk
-
3½
cups
shredded cheddar cheese
-
½
teaspoon
salt
-
½
teaspoon
ground mustard
-
½
teaspoon
smoked paprika
-
½
teaspoon
garlic powder
-
dash
hot sauce (optional)
-
3
ounces
full-fat brick cream cheese
The topping
-
1
cup
Panko breadcrumbs
-
2
Tablespoons
unsalted butter (melted)
Optional garnish
-
finely chopped
fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and mix with 2 Tablespoons of butter.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter, whisk in flour, and then slowly add milk while whisking until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add cheddar cheese and spices, whisking until thickened.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the buttered pasta and stir in cream cheese until melted.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and mix melted butter with Panko breadcrumbs, sprinkling over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the top is browned and the sides are bubbling.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving, optionally garnishing with parsley.
Nutrition Facts (estimated)
Servings
8
Calories
400
Total fat
20g
Total carbohydrates
40g
Total protein
15g
Sodium
600mg
Cholesterol
50mg
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