Baked Mac and Cheese
This Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food and a guaranteed family favorite! Macaroni is mixed with a rich and ultra creamy cheese sauce then covered with a buttery crisp topping. The most requested side dish for the Holidays!
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 534kcal
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half & half
- 4 cups mild cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups gruyère cheese shredded (or gouda)
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot or dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. The mixture should be slightly bubbly and light golden in color.
- Gradually add the whole milk and half & half, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the panko mixture over top of the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
This can be left as a stovetop mac and cheese, simply omit the bread crumb topping ingredients and the baking step.
Nutrition
Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 890mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 740IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 348mg | Iron: 1mg