Ah, mac and cheese—just saying it brings back such warm memories! It’s that cozy, creamy comfort food that wraps you in a delicious hug. But let me tell you, this isn’t just your average mac and cheese; this is an upgraded mac and cheese that takes the classic dish to a whole new level! I remember family gatherings where we’d gather around the table, and my mom would pull out her bubbling, cheesy masterpiece. The smell alone would make your mouth water! This recipe adds a delightful twist with extra cheesy goodness and a crunchy topping, making it perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never look back!
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
How to Prepare Upgraded Mac and Cheese
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this upgraded mac and cheese is super straightforward, and I promise it’ll be worth every cheesy bite. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, comforting dish that’ll impress everyone at the table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your mac and cheese gets that perfect golden crust.
- While the oven is heating up, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. You want them al dente, so keep an eye on the clock—it usually takes about 7-9 minutes.
- Now, let’s make the cheese sauce! In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbly, add the flour and whisk until you get a smooth roux, about 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Next, add in the grated cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything is melted and gooey. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Season your cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure every bite is deliciously flavored.
- Combine your cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated in that creamy goodness.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Now, for the crunchy topping—mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and paprika, then sprinkle it generously over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden on top. Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and comforting—each bite feels like a warm hug!
- Simple to make with straightforward steps, so you don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen.
- Versatile with added ingredients; toss in some cooked bacon, veggies, or whatever you love!
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.
- Family-friendly and satisfying—kids and adults alike can’t resist this cheesy goodness!
Tips for Success
Alright, time for my best tips to make your upgraded mac and cheese truly epic! First, don’t skimp on the cheese—using a mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella really elevates the flavor and texture. If you want a little more pizzazz, try adding some Gruyère or fontina for that extra creaminess. Timing is essential, so keep an eye on your pasta; you want it al dente since it’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Feeling adventurous? Throw in some cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even some fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. And if you like a kick, don’t hesitate to toss in some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking. Trust me, these little extras will take your mac and cheese from good to downright amazing!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact numbers, here’s an estimate for each serving of this upgraded mac and cheese: around 450 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these are just ballpark figures, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredient choices!
FAQ Section
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking time on the package, as it may vary.
How do I make it spicier?
If you’re looking for a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra zing!
Can leftovers be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just let the upgraded mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
What cheese combinations work best?
While sharp cheddar and mozzarella are my favorites, feel free to mix in other cheeses too! Gouda, Gruyère, or even a bit of blue cheese can add wonderful flavors. Just make sure to use a good melting cheese for that creamy texture.
How long does it take to bake?
It typically takes about 25-30 minutes to bake your upgraded mac and cheese at 350°F (175°C). You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and bubbly, and the smell is absolutely irresistible!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers! Once your upgraded mac and cheese has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. This way, you’ll keep it fresh and yummy for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll be good for up to two months.
When you’re ready to dig in, thaw it in the fridge overnight if it’s frozen. For reheating, the oven is my favorite method to bring back that creamy texture—just pop it in at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through for even heating. Enjoy those cheesy leftovers!
For more delicious mac and cheese recipes, check out this baked mac and cheese recipe or this stove-top version!
Print
Upgraded Mac and Cheese: 3 Cheesy Secrets to Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting upgraded mac and cheese with added flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and paprika, then sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon or vegetables for extra flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: upgraded mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese
