Description
Make this classic baked macaroni and cheese for a comforting, rich, and cheesy family dinner. This recipe delivers a creamy center with a lightly golden, crisp topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g / 8 oz macaroni (elbow pasta)
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter (for pasta)
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for topping)
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 1/3 cup plain / all purpose flour
- 3 cups milk, warmed (low or full fat)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (Gruyere, Cheddar, or Colby)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 tsp salt (for sauce)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions minus 1 minute.
- Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, add 1 tbsp butter, and toss until the butter melts. Set aside.
- For the topping, mix the panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan or ovenproof skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Add 1 cup of the warm milk and mix until the paste dissolves. Add the remaining milk and mix until the sauce is lump-free.
- Mix in the 3/4 tsp salt and any optional seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder).
- Cook, stirring or whisking regularly, for 5 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens to a cream consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a wooden spoon.
- Remove the sauce from the stove. Add the shredded cheeses and stir until combined. Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed.
- Assemble: Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the macaroni and stir quickly. Pour the mixture into a baking dish or the skillet you used.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown.
- Serve the mac and cheese immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a crispier texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent smooth melting.
- Tossing the cooked pasta with butter prevents it from sticking while you prepare the sauce.
- You can use a standard 9×13 inch baking dish if you do not use an ovenproof skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 19
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, Classic Mac and Cheese, Baked Pasta, Comfort Food Dinner, Cheesy Dinner, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Family Dinner Recipe, Oven Baked Pasta