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Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 29 reviews

Creamy and comforting, this baked mac and cheese is the ultimate indulgence for cheese lovers. With a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a classic dish that never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 250g / 8 oz macaroni (elbow pasta)
  • 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter ((or 2 tsp oil))

Topping:

  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs ((Note 1))
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter (, melted)
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup flour (, plain / all purpose)
  • 3 cups milk (, warmed (low or full fat))
  • 2 cups freshly shredded cheese, gruyere best ((followed by cheddar and Colby) (Note 2))
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (, or more other cheese of choice (Note 2))
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Pasta: Cook pasta per packet directions, then toss in butter. Set aside.
  2. Topping: Mix together breadcrumbs, melted butter, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Sauce: Preheat oven. Make roux, add milk, season, thicken sauce, add cheese, and adjust salt.
  4. Assembling: Combine sauce with pasta, transfer to skillet or baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, bake until golden.
  5. Serve: Enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • Pasta can be used without making the sauce, just toss with butter.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors.
  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the dish but bake just before serving.
  • The sauce should be creamy and not too thick for a luscious texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheese Pasta