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Golden baked mac and cheese recipe with three cheese blend and crispy panko topping in ceramic baking dish

Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe (Better Than Boxed!)

A creamy, golden-topped baked mac and cheese made with three premium cheeses. This foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food better than boxed every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  6. Fold in cooked macaroni. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
  7. Top with remaining cheddar and sprinkle evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
  8. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a gourmet twist, substitute Gruyère for cheddar or fontina for mozzarella. Add broccoli, chicken, or roasted squash for extra nutrition. Always allow to rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.