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Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Topping

This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy texture combined with a crunchy topping, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Easy Dinners
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Spacious Saucepan
  • baking dish

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz Elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cup Sharp cheddar cheese Grated
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese Grated
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Grated
  • 2 cup Whole milk
  • 4 tablespoon Unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoon All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard powder
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

For the Crunchy Topping

  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
  • to taste Fresh parsley Optional for garnish

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather ingredients and equipment.
  • Bring salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni for about 7-8 minutes until al dente, then drain.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes.
  • Gradually mix in the whole milk, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
  • Remove from heat and gradually stir in sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella until melted.
  • Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, stirring to coat thoroughly.
  • In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, drizzled with melted butter, until evenly coated.
  • Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumb mixture on top.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
  • Let cool for a few minutes and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead and stored unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword Baked Mac and Cheese, cheese, comfort food, easy recipes, gourmet, pasta
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