Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cheeses and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked pasta. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix bread crumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top of the pasta.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped toasted nuts or crispy bacon bits on top before baking.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor.
- Prepare in advance and refrigerate before baking for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Baking, stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg