The Very Best Baked Mac and Cheese

Is there a dish more comforting than creamy mac and cheese? This baked variety amps up the yum factor by including a breadcrumb topping, making this an indulgently delicious treat. Cheesy, gooey, flavorful, this mac and cheese will be your favorite comfort food.

And bonus! It’s so easy to make! Once you have your noodles cooked and your roux completed, the dish bakes in 15 to 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces macaroni noodles
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup medium cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ⅔ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup flour

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Prepare noodles according to package directions, knocking one minute off of cooking time to ensure pasta is al dente.
2. In a large pan on medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of the butter. When fully melted, add flour. Stir until no lumps remain.
3. Stir in milk, cream, spices, and salt. Stir constantly until it begins to bubble slightly. Reduce heat to simmer, stirring until thickened.
4. Stir in cheese, reserving ½ cup of cheddar to top pasta with, and continue to stir until melted.
5. Combine cheese sauce with drained pasta. Place in 9x13 baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top and set aside.
6. In a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Stir in breadcrumbs, cook for 2 minutes.
7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over macaroni. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.