Amazing Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Amazing Baked Mac and Cheese recipe features creamy homemade cheese sauce with sharp cheddar and Gruyere, combined with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni and topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb crust. It’s a classic American comfort food dish elevated with rich, melty cheeses and a crunchy topping—perfect as a main dish or a hearty side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Crispy Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions, cooking it just until al dente so it still has some bite, then drain well and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the 1/2 cup flour constantly for about 1 minute until lightly golden, avoiding browning.
- Add Dairy and Thicken Sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth. Keep stirring and bring to a simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Season: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika for color.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until all crumbs are coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery panko evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish stand for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
Notes
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute other melting cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Colby for variety.
- If panko breadcrumbs are unavailable, regular breadcrumbs may be used but will be less crispy.
- This mac and cheese can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days before baking. Allow to come to room temperature before baking and potentially extend baking time.
- To keep it extra creamy when reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream.
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, cheesy casserole, comfort food, breadcrumb topping, cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, creamy pasta bake
