Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese, a dish that promises to elevate your taste experience. This recipe features a rich and creamy cheese sauce made from a delightful blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Topped with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan crust, this mac and cheese is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. Easy to prepare and universally loved by both kids and adults, this dish will surely become your go-to for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 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 ½ cups panko crumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until just shy of al dente; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until bubbly.
- Gradually add milk and cream while whisking until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in half of the cheddar and Gruyere until melted; combine with pasta.
- Layer half of the mixture in the baking dish, top with remaining cheese, then add the rest of the pasta mixture.
- Combine panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika; sprinkle on top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg