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Delicious homemade baked mac and cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs
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Baked Mac and Cheese

This ultimate comfort food features creamy pasta enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with a crispy golden crust. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Macaroni, Cheesy Pasta, comfort food, Family Recipe, Mac and Cheese
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 475kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce Base

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or pasta shells For the pasta base.
  • Salt Salt for boiling water To taste.
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter For the roux and topping.
  • 6 tbsp all-purpose flour For thickening the cheese sauce.
  • 3 cups whole milk To create the cheese sauce.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Adds richness to the sauce.
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard For flavor enhancement.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder To taste.
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder To taste.
  • Salt & pepper Salt & pepper to taste For seasoning.

Cheese Blend

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Main cheese for flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded Adds nuttiness.
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded For creaminess.

Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs For crunchy topping.
  • 3 tbsp melted butter To mix with panko.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional) For extra cheesiness on top.

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tbsp of unsalted butter. Whisk in 6 tbsp of all-purpose flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until a smooth roux forms.

Cooking

  • Gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens, whisking continuously.
  • Stir in 2 tsp of Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp of onion powder, seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy.

Assembly and Baking

  • Add the cooked pasta to your cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs with 3 tbsp of melted butter. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese and add optional extra shredded cheddar.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Serving

  • Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to settle for a creamy texture.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with cheese blends or add vegetables for added nutrition. Consider a crisp garden salad or grilled chicken as sides.