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A freshly baked cheesy macaroni casserole with golden breadcrumbs and parsley, served in a white dish on a light background.

Ultimate Cheesy Macaroni Casserole

A comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a creamy blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, topped with a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Oven mitts

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the flour to create a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the whole milk, allowing the sauce to thicken. Mix in the Dijon mustard, then add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, be sure to continuously whisk the milk when making the sauce to avoid lumps. Slightly undercooked pasta helps maintain the ideal texture after baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Baked Pasta, Casserole, Cheddar, Cheesy Macaroni, Comfort Food, Mozzarella
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