Description

Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and joy to any table. This delectable dish combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Gruyere, finished off with a crispy panko-parmesan topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in. With its delightful blend of creamy textures and savory flavors, this Baked Mac and Cheese promises to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz elbow macaroni
6 tbsp unsalted butter
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups Gruyere cheese
1½ cups panko crumbs
4 tbsp melted butter
½ cup Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water until just under al dente; drain and toss with olive oil.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until golden brown.
Gradually add milk and cream, stirring until bubbly.
Whisk in cheddar and Gruyere until melted and smooth.
Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce thoroughly.
Layer half of the mixture in the greased baking dish; sprinkle some cheese on top before adding the remaining mixture.
Combine panko crumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and smoked paprika; mix well.
Spread topping over mac and cheese mixture.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 490
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 960mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For extra creaminess, incorporate a splash of milk into the sauce if it thickens too much. Customize by adding proteins like cooked bacon or veggies such as broccoli for added nutrition.