Description
A detailed recipe for rich, creamy baked macaroni and cheese using a blend of three complementary cheeses and a crisp topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- 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 8-10 minutes). Do not let it boil rapidly.
- Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack cheeses to the sauce in handfuls, stirring until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding the next. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Warming the milk slightly before adding it to the roux helps prevent lumps in your sauce.
- For a sharper flavor, substitute one ounce of the Monterey Jack with smoked Gouda.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 22
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 110