Description
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and creamy comfort food classic made with a blend of cheeses and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs Cavatappi Pasta Mac
- 8 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon Paste
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp Salted Butter (for pasta mixture)
- 3 tbsp Salted Butter (for breadcrumb topping)
- 16 oz Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded, plus 4 oz set aside)
- 8 oz Colby Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 6 oz Gruyere Cheese (shredded)
- 6–8 slices Mozzarella Cheese (for layering)
- 24 oz Evaporated Milk
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Seasoned Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Use 2 tablespoons of softened butter to generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Shred all the cheeses needed for the recipe. Set aside 4 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon paste.
- Return the pot to medium heat and add evaporated milk and heavy cream. Warm the mixture without boiling. Gradually add the cheeses and mix in the mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Add the pasta to the cheese sauce. Mix in the beaten eggs.
- Spread half of the macaroni and cheese mixture in the prepared baking pan. Layer with mozzarella slices, then cover with the remaining mixture. Sprinkle the reserved sharp cheddar cheese on top.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and add the panko breadcrumbs. Toss until golden brown.
- Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese. Optionally, dust with smoked paprika.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Finish under the broiler for a few minutes for a golden crust. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg