Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this decadent, creamy baked mac and cheese. Featuring a silky-smooth cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère, combined with perfectly al dente pasta and finished with a buttery, golden panko crust. This beginner-friendly recipe is a crowd-pleaser that delivers a warm, cheesy hug in every bite, perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter (for breadcrumb topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Boil the macaroni in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbly to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar and 1 cup of Gruyère until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar, 1 cup of Gruyère, and the panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore original creaminess. You can substitute the Gruyère with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg