Print

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe 5 Easy Steps for Creamy Crispy Perfection

baked mac and cheese recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting baked mac and cheese recipe featuring a creamy, luscious cheese sauce with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 225 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 115 grams)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons (57 grams) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly pour in 3 cups (720 ml) of warmed whole milk while whisking nonstop. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble gently, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until all cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and fold gently to coat evenly.
  7. In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of butter over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and stir frequently until golden brown and nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  8. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs on top. Optionally, dust with smoked paprika or cayenne.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Watch closely in the last 5 minutes to avoid burning.
  10. Let the baked mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven. Warm milk before adding to roux to avoid lumps. Toast breadcrumbs in butter for extra crunch. Watch breadcrumbs closely during baking to prevent burning. For extra creaminess, add cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, crispy topping, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-creamy-crispy-perfection/