Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese
This classic baked mac and cheese features a rich, creamy sauce and a perfectly golden-brown crust. It is the ultimate comfort food that brings nostalgic, cheesy goodness to every family meal.
- Prep time: 14 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 29 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a large pot, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar and all the Gruyere until melted.
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Pour into the baking dish and top with the remaining cheese and panko.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Tips
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melting sauce.
- Cook the pasta 1 minute less than the package says to prevent it from getting mushy in the oven.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for subtle depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this?
Yes, bake it and let it cool completely before wrapping tightly to freeze.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, cavatappi or shells hold the sauce very well.
How do I reheat it without drying it out?
Add a splash of milk to the dish before reheating in the oven or microwave.