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The Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crispy Panko Topping

Close-up of baked mac and cheese recipe with a golden, crunchy topping and visible cheese pull.
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A recipe for a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese featuring a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until the pasta is fully coated.
  8. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  11. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Shred your own cheese from blocks for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect creaminess.
  • For a Southern style, you can add one beaten egg to the cheese sauce before mixing in the pasta.
  • If you prefer a softer topping, use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/