Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate baked mac and cheese recipe. Rich, creamy sauce and a crunchy topping make this dish a timeless family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare cheese sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until golden and bubbly.
- Add milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season sauce: Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Add cheese: Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Assemble: Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish.
- Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a touch of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like Gruyère or Monterey Jack, for more depth of flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
Find it online: https://katyrecipes.com/homemade-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/