The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. This dish features a luscious cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere, all enveloped in perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Topped with golden panko crumbs and Parmesan, each bite is a delightful contrast between creamy and crunchy textures. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe is simple to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni until just under al dente; drain and toss with olive oil.
- In a deep saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until golden.
- Gradually add milk and cream while whisking until bubbly; season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in cheeses until smooth, then combine with the pasta.
- Layer into the baking dish, topping with a mixture of panko crumbs, Parmesan, butter, and paprika.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Find it online: https://cozywithemma.com/the-best-homemade-baked-mac-and-cheese/