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Creamy Mac & Cheese Casserole Recipe – Easy Homemade Comfort with Crispy Herb Topping

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This ultra-creamy mac & cheese casserole features a velvety cheese sauce and a crispy herb topping, making it the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Simple ingredients and easy steps deliver crowd-pleasing flavor and nostalgic warmth in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing dish)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbling but not browned.
  4. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
  7. Place drained macaroni in a large mixing bowl. Pour cheese sauce over and stir gently to coat.
  8. Spread macaroni mixture evenly in prepared casserole dish.
  9. In a small bowl, mix panko, melted butter, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
  10. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over macaroni.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until topping is golden brown and cheese sauce is bubbling. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if needed for extra browning.
  12. Let casserole stand 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block for smoother melting. Make gluten-free by swapping flour and panko for gluten-free alternatives. Prep ahead by assembling up to the topping stage and refrigerating; add topping and bake when ready. For extra crunch, broil briefly at the end. Add-ins like bacon, chicken, or roasted veggies are delicious variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, casserole, comfort food, baked macaroni, creamy, herb topping, easy dinner, family recipe, potluck, holiday

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-with-crispy-herb-topping/