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–+ servings

Indulgent Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Topping

This Indulgent Baked Mac and Cheese features a creamy sauce and crunchy topping, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Cook slightly underdone
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoon Unsalted Butter Essential for the roux
  • 4 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour Thickens the cheese sauce
  • 4 cups Whole Milk For a lighter alternative, use low-fat milk
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can replace with more milk for a lighter version
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances the flavors
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Adds warmth and complexity
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg Elevates flavor profile
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Pairs wonderfully with cheese
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Robust flavor, can use mild if preferred
  • 1 cup Gruyere Cheese Replace with Emmental if needed
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Swap for provolone if desired
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Creates crispy topping
  • 2 tablespoon Melted Butter Adds flavor and helps toast the breadcrumbs

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest, then drain.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook until light golden.
  3. Gradually add whole milk to the roux, whisking continuously, until thickened and coats back of a spoon.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and garlic powder.
  5. Incorporate sharp cheddar, gruyere, and Monterey Jack into the hot sauce until melted and smooth.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl.
  8. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until coated.
  9. Spoon macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and top with buttery breadcrumbs.
  10. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  11. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize by adding veggies or proteins to enhance your Baked Mac and Cheese experience.

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