Description
This Classic Baked Mac and Cheese recipe features creamy, cheesy pasta baked to golden perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Combining a blend of shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses with a rich milk and cream sauce, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook until just al dente according to package instructions, usually about 7–8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and smooth to form a roux.
- Add Dairy: Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove the saucepan from heat and add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all pasta is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the mac and cheese uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Broil for Crunch: For an extra crunchy topping, switch the oven to broil and broil the mac and cheese for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese!
Notes
- Use a combination of cheddar and Gruyère for balanced flavor and creaminess, but feel free to substitute with your preferred cheeses.
- Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente as it will continue to soften during baking.
- Mixing the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter helps achieve a golden, crunchy topping.
- Watch the dish carefully when broiling to avoid burning the topping.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes after baking to thicken slightly for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, classic mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, casserole
