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Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy baked mac and cheese dish, topped with golden brown breadcrumbs.
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A creamy, oven-baked macaroni and cheese with a golden breadcrumb topping. This recipe uses a classic roux for a smooth sauce and offers tips for make-ahead preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  7. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
  10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, prepare the mac and cheese up to step 7, cover, and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • You can use a combination of your favorite cheeses, but ensure they melt smoothly to avoid a grainy texture.
  • For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-creamy-bliss/