Mac and Cheese Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe for Family Dinners

Mac and Cheese Casserole is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. This dish has a rich history, tracing back to the 18th century when it first appeared in cookbooks, showcasing the timeless appeal of pasta and cheese. Over the years, it has evolved into countless variations, but the essence remains the same: a creamy, cheesy delight that satisfies the soul.

What I adore about Mac and Cheese Casserole is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a cozy night in, this dish is perfect for any occasion. The combination of al dente pasta enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce creates a texture that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Join me as we dive into the world of Mac and Cheese Casserole, where every bite is a nostalgic reminder of home-cooked goodness!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)

Preparing the Pasta

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and set it aside. I like to rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Making the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. I find that using a heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute the heat evenly.
2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns a light golden color. This step is crucial as it helps thicken the cheese sauce.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. I usually start with a small amount of milk, whisk it in, and then add the rest gradually.
4. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Now, it’s time to add the cheese! Start with the sharp cheddar, followed by the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. I like to taste it at this point to adjust the seasoning if needed.

Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to ensure that all the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce. This is where the magic happens, and you can already start to smell the deliciousness!
2. If you want to add any extras like cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or even some diced tomatoes, now is the time to fold them in. I love adding crispy bacon for that extra flavor kick!

Preparing the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly.
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. I usually just use a paper towel to spread a thin layer of butter around the dish.
3. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
4. If you’re using breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping, mix them with olive oil in a small bowl until they’re well coated. This will help them brown nicely in the oven.
5. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for that delightful crunch!

Baking the Casserole

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. I like to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to make sure it doesn’t over-brown.
   

   Conclusion:

   In conclusion, this Mac and Cheese Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves comfort food. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and a crispy topping that adds the perfect crunch, it’s a dish that will surely become a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients such as crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, or even a hint of spice with jalapeños. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this casserole with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to balance out the richness. You can also serve it as a side dish at your next gathering, or make it the star of the show at a cozy family dinner. I encourage you to give this Mac and Cheese Casserole a try and experience the joy it brings to your table. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!
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   Mac and Cheese Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe for Family Dinners

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   • Total Time: 45 minutes
   • Yield: 8 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   Enjoy a comforting dish of creamy baked macaroni and cheese, featuring a delicious blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer, this dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

   ---

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound elbow macaroni
   • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
   • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
   • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 4 cups milk
   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
   • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)

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   Instructions

   ### Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

   **Description:**
   Indulge in this creamy and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese, featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

   —

   **Ingredients:**

   – **Pasta:**
   – 1 pound elbow macaroni

   – **Cheese Sauce:**
   – 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
   – 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
   – 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   – 4 cups milk
   – 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
   – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
   – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   – 1 teaspoon onion powder
   – 1 teaspoon mustard powder
   – 1/2 teaspoon paprika
   – Salt and pepper to taste

   – **Topping (optional):**
   – 1 cup breadcrumbs
   – 2 tablespoons olive oil

   —

   **Instructions:**

   **1. Preparing the Pasta:**
   – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt).
   – Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (7-8 minutes). Stir occasionally.
   – Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.

   **2. Making the Cheese Sauce:**
   – In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   – Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 2-3 minutes until light golden.
   – Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
   – Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and bubbles (about 5-7 minutes).
   – Reduce heat to low and add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
   – Add the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

   **3. Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce:**
   – In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat.
   – If desired, fold in extras like cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or diced tomatoes.

   **4. Preparing the Casserole:**
   – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   – Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
   – Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
   – If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil in a small bowl and sprinkle over the top.

   **5. Baking the Casserole:**
   – Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

   —

   **Notes:**
   – For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables.
   – Adjust seasoning to taste before baking.
   – The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch.

   —

   **Prep Time:** 15 minutes
   **Cook Time:** 30 minutes
   **Total Time:** 45 minutes
   **Yield:** 8 servings

   Enjoy your delicious homemade baked macaroni and cheese!

   Notes

   • For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables.
   • Adjust seasoning to taste before baking.
   • The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30 minutes