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Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese

A serving of rich, cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping being pulled apart.
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Follow this recipe for a creamy, decadent baked macaroni and cheese with a crisp, golden-brown topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  5. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack cheeses to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth. This is your cheese sauce.
  7. Add the cooked, drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until the pasta is fully coated.
  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture.
  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  11. Let the mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, shred your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
  • You can prepare the sauce and pasta mixture up to the baking step a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add topping and bake when ready, adding 10 minutes to the baking time.
  • Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce base.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorsensations.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-ultimate-creamy/