Description
Creamy, comforting Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese brings classic American comfort to your dinner table. Melted cheese, golden breadcrumbs, and perfectly cooked pasta promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasonings and Topping:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
- Submerge pasta in boiling water, cooking until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Craft a silky foundation by melting butter in a spacious saucepan, then incorporate flour to create a golden roux, whisking continuously for approximately two minutes.
- Gradually introduce milk and heavy cream, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thickened sauce.
- Enhance the sauce’s complexity by introducing garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and gently fold in cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until they meld into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Unite the cooked pasta with the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta strand is generously coated, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Create a crispy topping by combining panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then delicately sprinkle the mixture across the mac and cheese surface.
- Position the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing the top to develop a golden-brown crust and the interior to become delightfully bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest momentarily before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly.
Notes
- Achieve the perfect al dente pasta by cooking it just shy of the package instructions, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- Create a super smooth cheese sauce by gradually whisking milk and cream, preventing lumps and guaranteeing a silky texture.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, smoky gouda, or creamy fontina to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the dish.
- Boost nutrition by mixing in roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, or add crispy bacon bits for extra protein and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg