Description
This creamy and cheesy Mac and Cheese recipe features a rich blend of Havarti, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses combined with mini penne pasta. Topped with a buttery breadcrumb mixture, it’s baked to golden perfection for a comforting and delicious meal that serves eight.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) box mini penne pasta
Cheese Sauce
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 (8-oz) block Havarti cheese, grated
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 (8-oz) wedge Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Dash cayenne pepper
Topping
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the mini penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt ½ cup of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Add milk and thicken sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and well blended. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the grated Havarti, shredded white cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese. Remove the sauce from heat once the cheeses have melted completely.
- Season the cheese sauce: Mix in the salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and ½ tsp garlic powder to add flavor.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir gently to coat all the noodles evenly. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the fresh bread crumbs, melted butter, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or add a splash of cream.
- Mini penne pasta can be replaced with elbow macaroni or any short pasta shape.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
- Use fresh bread crumbs for best texture, or substitute with panko for extra crunch.
- Let the Mac and Cheese rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
