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Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

A close-up of a bowl of creamy homemade mac and cheese topped with golden toasted breadcrumbs.
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A creamy, from-scratch baked mac and cheese with a rich cheese sauce and a golden topping. This comfort food classic is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday sides, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing dish.

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 paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease 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, whisking constantly.
  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, paprika, and garlic powder until the cheese is melted and the 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 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Fontina.
  • To make ahead, prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
  • This dish is a great option for meal planning and can be a delicious addition to your weekly rotation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/homemade-mac-and-cheese-creamy-baked/