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Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 95 reviews
  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This homemade baked mac and cheese is a rich and creamy comfort food classic, made with a blend of sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and Gruyere cheeses. The pasta is cooked to just under al dente, then smothered in a creamy cheese sauce made with a butter and flour roux, milk, half and half, and flavorful seasonings. Topped with a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust, baked to golden perfection, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a crisp topping that elevates traditional mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound dry macaroni pasta

Cheese Sauce

  • 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups Half and Half
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
  • 3 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup White Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded

Topping

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 inch (3 quart) baking dish with cooking spray or melted butter and set aside.
  2. Mix Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and seasoned salt. Mix well and set aside for topping.
  3. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions but reduce the time by about 2 minutes to ensure it is slightly underdone (almost al dente). Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking, then toss to coat evenly.
  4. Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 8 tablespoons of butter, being careful not to brown it. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to combine and cook for about 1 minute.
  5. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk in a thin steady stream while whisking constantly, then gradually add the half and half, whisking until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens.
  6. Season Sauce: Add black pepper, nutmeg, garlic powder, and dried mustard to the sauce, stirring to incorporate all the spices evenly.
  7. Add Cheese: Gradually add the shredded Sharp Cheddar, White Cheddar, and Gruyere cheeses to the sauce, stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is thoroughly smooth and creamy.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in the large bowl. Mix well to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.
  9. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the prepared panko breadcrumb topping over the top.
  10. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly around the edges.
  11. Rest and Serve: Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps to set the sauce for easier serving.

Notes

  • Cooking the pasta a bit under al dente ensures it finishes cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
  • Using a blend of cheeses including Gruyere adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
  • The panko breadcrumb topping with melted butter and seasoned salt provides a perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
  • You can substitute half and half with additional milk if desired, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Make sure to whisk the sauce continuously when adding milk and half and half to avoid lumps.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food

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