Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe
Classic baked macaroni and cheese featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth, and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking as the mixture thickens slightly into a creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is well coated with the creamy cheddar mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.
- To add a smoky flavor, consider mixing in some smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
- Using freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.
- The panko topping adds a nice crunch; you can mix it with a little melted butter before sprinkling for extra golden color.
- Leftovers can be reheated covered in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, cheddar cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food
