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the best homemade baked mac and cheese

the best homemade baked mac and cheese

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  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)

Description

The best homemade baked mac and cheese delivers on every level with its creamy cheese sauce, crispy topping, and comforting flavors. It's perfect for celebrations, tough days, and everything in between.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons Unsalted butter
1/4 cup All-purpose flour
3 cups Whole milk
1 cup Heavy cream
3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
4 ounces Cream cheese
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon Dry mustard powder
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter
  2. Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, but reduce cooking time by 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside
  3. Step 3: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes
  4. Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese in chunks, stirring until melted. Then add the shredded cheddar and Gruyere, one handful at a time
  6. Step 6: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Adjust seasonings as needed
  7. Step 7: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and fold gently until coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish
  8. Step 8: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix in the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese
  9. Step 9: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Broil for the final 2 minutes for extra crispiness
  10. Step 10: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving

Notes

Always shred cheese yourself for a smoother sauce.

Don't skip the cream cheese for added creaminess.

Undercook your pasta slightly as it will continue cooking in the oven.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 485 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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Find it online: https://www.magazinerecipes.com/the-best-homemade-baked-mac-and-cheese/