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A bubbling casserole dish of baked mac and cheese recipe, fresh from the oven

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

This classic baked mac and cheese recipe delivers ultimate comfort food with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a golden, bubbly top, perfect for a cozy meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup unsalted butter

Sauce

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cheese

  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping (Optional)

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • First, cook the macaroni until al dente, drain it well, and set it aside.
  • Next, melt ½ cup of butter in a large pot over medium heat, then whisk in the flour for 2-3 minutes to form a light golden roux.

Cheese Sauce

  • Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the dry mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and add half of the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

Assembly and Baking

  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly; then, pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Optionally, sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top, and for a crunchy topping, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
  • Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown, adding 5-10 minutes if using a breadcrumb topping.
  • Finally, let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra boost of flavor, try using a combination of sharp and extra-sharp cheddar cheese. To prevent the sauce from becoming grainy, make sure to add the cheese off the heat and stir until fully melted before adding more.