Description
Make this Baked Mac and Cheese for a comforting meal. It features a rich cheese blend and a perfectly crispy breadcrumb topping. This recipe brings family memories right to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon 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 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
- Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth. This is your cheese sauce.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the cheese blend to your preference. Monterey Jack melts well.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture if you have time.
- For an extra rich flavor, use a mix of aged cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Comfort Eats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg