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Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 123 reviews
  • Author: Noah
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

A classic comfort food, this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. Featuring a blend of Gruyere, cheddar, Colby, and mozzarella cheeses, this dish is baked to perfection for a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 250g / 8 oz macaroni (elbow pasta)
  • 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter (or 2 tsp oil)

Topping

  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup plain / all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk, warmed (low or full fat)
  • 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (Gruyere best, followed by cheddar and Colby)
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or more other cheese of choice)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to packet directions but subtract one minute from the recommended time to keep pasta slightly undercooked.
  2. Toss in butter: Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, add the butter and toss until melted. Set aside to cool while preparing the sauce.
  3. Prepare topping: Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and salt. Set aside for later use as a crispy topping.
  4. Preheat oven: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F), suitable for all oven types.
  5. Make roux: In a large saucepan or ovenproof skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux.
  6. Add milk: Gradually pour in about 1 cup of warmed milk and whisk to dissolve the roux completely. Add the remaining milk and mix until the sauce is smooth and lump-free.
  7. Add seasonings: Stir in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder for flavor.
  8. Thicken sauce: Cook the sauce for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring or whisking regularly, until it thickens to a creamy consistency. It should coat the back of a wooden spoon.
  9. Add cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheeses until well combined; the cheese does not need to fully melt at this stage.
  10. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt if necessary, although recommended cheeses normally provide adequate saltiness.
  11. Assemble: Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni by stirring quickly. Pour everything into the skillet or a baking dish, then evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the breadcrumb topping turns a light golden brown. Avoid baking too long to prevent drying out the sauce.
  13. Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Notes

  • Using panko breadcrumbs provides a lighter, crispier topping than regular breadcrumbs.
  • Gruyere cheese offers a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the classic cheddar and Colby cheese mix.
  • Allowing the pasta to cool slightly after tossing with butter prevents overcooking when mixed with hot sauce.
  • For make-ahead, bake partially, cool, then cover and refrigerate before finishing the bake to serve later.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, Gruyere mac and cheese

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Find it online: https://mealbynoah.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/