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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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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

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)

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
  5. 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.
  6. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  8. 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.
  9. Assemble the Mac and Cheese:
  10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.
  12. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  13. Prepare the Topping:
  14. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
  15. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  16. Bake:
  17. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  18. 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.