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The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

Discover the comforting and creamy taste of The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese, a nostalgic dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Mac And Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Classic Recipe, comfort food, homemade
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 550kcal

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish
  • mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni the classic choice for the perfect bite

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and prevents burning
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter base for a creamy cheese sauce
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce
  • 3 cups whole milk for a rich and creamy sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream intensifies the creaminess
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded delivers a strong cheesy flavor
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded adds a nutty depth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika infuses a hint of smokiness

For the Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs for extra crunch
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted adds richness to the topping
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded incorporates a salty note

Instructions

How to Make The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

  • Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and add your elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, heat the olive oil and 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  • Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, around 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and Gruyere until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheesy sauce and transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • In a small bowl, combine the panko crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the crumbs are coated, then sprinkle this topping over your mac and cheese.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions before baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 900IU | Calcium: 600mg | Iron: 2mg
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