Description
A simple and creamy baked mac and cheese recipe perfect for any occasion. This dish is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add cheddar and Gruyere cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- For an extra cheesy flavor, add a mix of your favorite cheeses.
- You can add cooked bacon bits or chopped broccoli for added flavor and texture.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving for a firmer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg