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The Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping

A close-up of a serving of creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese recipe with a golden breadcrumb topping.
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This baked mac and cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy interior using a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere, topped with a perfectly golden, crunchy panko crust. It is simple to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces American cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, make the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and cubed American cheese to the sauce. Stir until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Fold the cooked, drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until the pasta is fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, toss the Panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered Panko evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  10. Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Shred your own cheese from blocks; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
  • For a Southern Style Mac and Cheese flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
  • You can substitute the Panko topping with crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs if you prefer a softer crust.

Nutrition

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