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ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese - featured image

Ultra-Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: Best Easy Homemade Recipe

  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese features a velvety cheese sauce made with a roux and a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, topped with a golden, buttery panko crust for the perfect textural contrast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grate all cheeses and mix in a bowl. Measure panko and topping ingredients into a separate small bowl.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente (1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain without rinsing and toss with a teaspoon of oil.
  4. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden and nutty.
  5. Slowly whisk in whole milk. Cook and whisk for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in Dijon mustard and smoked paprika.
  7. Gradually stir in the cheese blend until smooth and creamy. Do not boil after adding cheese.
  8. Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Toss to coat.
  9. Mix panko, 2 tablespoons melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Optional: broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispness.
  11. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Grate your own cheese to ensure smooth melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Do not rinse pasta after boiling to retain starch for sauce adherence. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set. For a stovetop version, skip the baking step and serve immediately.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 580
  • Fat: 26
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, panko crust, comfort food, homemade mac and cheese, cheese sauce

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Find it online: https://warmdinner.online/ultra-creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-best-easy-homemade-recipe/