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There’s no better crowd-pleaser than a creamy, cheesy mac & cheese—especially when you’ve got hungry guests looking for something warm and comforting. This take on the classic features a melt-in-your-mouth sauce paired with a crisp breadcrumb topping. It’s guaranteed to keep party-goers happy (and coming back for seconds)!
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute, whisking constantly to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Lower the heat, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if you’d like an extra layer of flavor. Allow the cheeses to melt into a velvety sauce, then remove from heat.
Pour the cooked macaroni into a large casserole dish. Gently fold in the cheese sauce until every noodle is coated. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac & cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can settle and the flavors can meld together.
This party-friendly mac & cheese hits the perfect balance of rich cheese sauce and crunchy topping. It’s a great go-to dish for gatherings, potlucks, and game days. Feel free to customize with extras—like chopped bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach—to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Whether you stick to this classic version or get creative, your guests will definitely leave with full bellies and big smiles!
