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Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A close-up of a fork lifting a cheesy slice of baked mac and cheese with a golden-brown crust.
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A creamy, comforting baked macaroni and cheese recipe with a golden breadcrumb topping, perfect for any occasion.

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
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  7. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is bubbly.
  10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
  • You can substitute other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for variety.
  • If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used, though they may not be as crispy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipestokeep.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/