Italian Baked Mac and Cheese with Mozzarella Parmesan
Creamy baked macaroni and cheese featuring Italian mozzarella and Parmesan creates a rich, golden casserole perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. The combination of two Italian cheeses delivers authentic flavor while a crispy breadcrumb topping adds textural contrast. This comforting dish transforms simple pasta into an indulgent side that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or serves as a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Cook macaroni according to package instructions then drain
- 3
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat
- 4
Stir flour into melted butter and cook 1 minute
- 5
Gradually whisk in milk and cook until mixture thickens and bubbles
- 6
Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted
- 7
Season cheese sauce with salt and pepper
- 8
Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in mixing bowl
- 9
Transfer mixture to baking dish
- 10
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using
- 11
Bake 20-25 minutes until top is golden and bubbly
- 12
Cool for few minutes before serving
Tips
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and richer flavor than pre-grated cheese
Save pasta cooking water to thin sauce if it becomes too thick during assembly
Toast breadcrumbs in butter before sprinkling for extra golden color and nutty flavor
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days, reheat in oven at 300°F until heated through
Assemble completely without breadcrumbs, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day, add breadcrumbs before baking
Serve hot as side dish with roasted chicken, beef, or pork, or as vegetarian main with green salad
Common Mistakes
Don't skip cooking flour in butter to avoid raw flour taste
Add milk gradually while whisking to prevent lumps in cheese sauce
Don't overbake or cheese will become grainy and separate
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use different pasta shapes instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, shells, or rotini works well as they hold cheese sauce effectively in their curves and ridges.
What if my cheese sauce becomes too thick or lumpy?
Whisk in reserved pasta water or warm milk gradually to thin, and strain through fine mesh if lumps persist despite whisking.
How long does leftover mac and cheese keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days, reheat portions in microwave or whole dish in 300°F oven until heated through.