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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.
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Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Saucepan (for cheese sauce)
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Grater (for shredding cheese)

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta:
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni 450 g
  • 1 tsp salt
  • For the Cheese Sauce:
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter 56 g
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour 30 g
  • 3 cups whole milk 720 ml
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240 ml
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese 200 g, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese 100 g, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese 100 g, shredded
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 50 g
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese 25 g, grated

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce:
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Reduce heat to low and gradually add the cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Assemble the Mac and Cheese:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Prepare the Topping:
  • In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
  • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake:
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Cheese Choices: Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.