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Ultra-Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a freshly baked mac and cheese in a white casserole dish, featuring a golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping.
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A simple, soul-satisfying baked mac and cheese recipe with a creamy sauce and a golden, bubbly topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

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). Butter 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, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, 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 cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  7. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
  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 make-ahead option, assemble the mac and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
  • You can substitute other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for variety.
  • For an extra cheesy flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb topping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/baked-mac-and-cheese/

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