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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese that Makes Comfort Food Shine

Discover the secret to the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter for the sauce
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for thickening
  • 3 cups whole milk for creaminess
  • 1 tsp salt to enhance flavor
  • 1/2 tsp pepper for seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika for color and smokiness
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce optional, for depth
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese freshly shredded
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
For the Topping
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs for crunch
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter for coating panko

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • stock pot
  • Casserole Dish
  • Whisk
  • Bowls

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a stock pot, melt 4 tbsp of butter, add 1/4 cup of flour, and whisk for about a minute to make a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk, and cook for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, paprika, hot sauce, gruyere, and cheddar until melted.
  5. Mix the macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  6. Pour into a greased 9x13 casserole dish and spread evenly.
  7. Combine 2 tbsp melted butter with panko and sprinkle over macaroni.
  8. Broil for about 2 minutes or bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep an eye on the broiler to prevent burning. For the best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese.

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