Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a family-favorite classic that's taken up a notch. Featuring a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, this rich sauce perfectly coats tender elbow macaroni, creating a creamy base that's hard to resist. Topped with a golden, crunchy layer of seasoned panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, this dish combines velvety texture with a satisfying crispness in every bite. Perfect for cozy dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks, this baked mac and cheese is as easy to make as it is to devour, coming together in just one hour. Whether you’re seeking comfort food bliss or planning the ultimate side dish, this recipe is sure to impress!
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Ingredients
- 400 grams elbow macaroni
- 60 grams butter
- 50 grams all-purpose flour
- 750 ml milk
- 125 ml heavy cream
- 200 grams sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 100 grams Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 100 grams panko breadcrumbs
- 30 grams parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.
Step 4
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes until thickened, whisking frequently.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
Step 6
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 7
Add the cooked, drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
Step 8
Transfer the macaroni and cheese into a 9x13-inch (or similar size) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 9
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Step 10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Step 11
Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1874.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4993.8 |
| Total Fat 252.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 133.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g | |
| Cholesterol 687.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6154.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 471.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 60.1g | |
| Protein 194.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 398.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3799.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 23.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1640.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories