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The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
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4.7 from 20 reviews

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for the BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy crust, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

Main Dish:

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked (or other tubular pasta)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Cheese Sauce:

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside. Combine shredded cheeses in a bowl.
  2. Cook pasta: Cook pasta until slightly undercooked, then drain and toss with olive oil in a large bowl.
  3. Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Whisk until smooth and thick. Add cheeses, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Stir in pasta until coated with cheese sauce.
  5. Assemble: Pour half of the mac and cheese into the baking dish, top with cheese, then the rest of the mac and cheese.
  6. Make topping and bake: Combine panko, Parmesan, butter, and paprika. Sprinkle over mac and cheese. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  7. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • This recipe can be customized with additional seasonings like garlic powder or mustard for extra flavor.
  • For a crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for a few minutes at the end of baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/the-best-homemade-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/