Description
Creamy, golden-baked mac and cheese with rich cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and a crisp buttery breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus extra for dotting on top)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente — about 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Place your Dutch oven over medium heat and melt 1/2 cup butter. Sprinkle the flour in and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, to cook out the raw flour taste without browning it.
- Gradually add the milk in a slow stream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and just begins to simmer. Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan a handful at a time until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Add the Dijon mustard and garlic powder, then season with salt and black pepper. If the sauce feels too thick, whisk in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach a creamy consistency.
- Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every noodle is well coated. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the surface and dot with small pieces of butter to help the crumbs brown.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve hot straight from the Dutch oven, perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks. Add toppings or mix-ins for creative variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American