Name: Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, grated; 3 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp mustard powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp melted butter

This creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese casserole is a perfect side dish for your Christmas dinner. The creamy cheese sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a crunchy golden topping makes it irresistible. Ideal for feeding a crowd, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and bake just before serving. With its comforting flavor and rich texture, this mac and cheese casserole will steal the spotlight at your festive table!

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Use a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyere for the best flavor.
To make it extra creamy, add a little cream cheese.
For a crunchy topping, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter.

Yield: 8 servings

Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole

A creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese casserole, perfect for Christmas dinner and festive gatherings.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
3 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Once the sauce thickens, add in the grated cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined.
Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared casserole dish.
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Make sure the cheese sauce is smooth to avoid lumps.
You can make this casserole ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it for a bit longer if it’s cold from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 484Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 96mgSodium 529mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 1gSugar 6gProtein 19g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.