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Best Baked Mac And Cheese: Easy 6-Step Recipe

  • Author: angela_woods
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This is the ultimate baked mac and cheese recipe, featuring a creamy béchamel sauce made with sharp cheddar and Gruyère, topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust. It balances texture and flavor perfectly for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup garlic panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until light golden and nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  4. Remove the pot from heat and let cool for 1 minute. Stir in the Dijon mustard, then gradually add the cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat every noodle.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt.
  7. Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top and press gently.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

For the best crust, toast the panko breadcrumbs in butter before sprinkling on top. Always grate cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese to ensure smooth melting. Par-cooking the pasta prevents it from becoming mushy in the oven. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 45
  • Saturated Fat: 25
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, family friendly, best mac and cheese recipe

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Find it online: https://plateory.com/best-baked-mac-and-cheese-easy-6-step-recipe/