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Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

This Baked Mac and Cheese combines ultra-creamy, velvety cheese sauce with a crispy golden panko topping for the perfect comfort food classic. Every bite delivers a luxurious balance of texture and flavor — rich, cheesy, and perfectly baked for cozy dinners, holidays, or anytime indulgence.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Macaroni Base
  • 250 g elbow macaroni cooked just until al dente
  • 15 g unsalted butter or 2 tsp oil, prevents sticking
For the Sauce
  • 60 g unsalted butter
  • 0.33 cup all-purpose flour forms the roux and thickens the sauce
  • 3 cups warm milk whole or low-fat, avoid cold milk to prevent lumps
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese freshly grated (or cheddar/Colby as alternatives)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, for stretch and creaminess
  • 0.75 tsp salt adjust to taste
Optional Flavor Seasonings
  • 1 tsp garlic powder for subtle savory depth
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder enhances the cheese flavor
  • 0.5 tsp mustard powder balances richness
For the Crispy Topping
  • 0.66 cup panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy layer
  • 30 g unsalted butter melted, coats the crumbs evenly
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta — Boil salted water, cook macaroni until just al dente, then drain and toss with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce (Roux Base) — Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth. Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasonings — Lower heat, add Gruyere and mozzarella, and stir until melted and velvety. Season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Taste and adjust.
  4. Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce — Mix the sauce with cooked pasta until every piece is coated. Aim for a glossy, creamy consistency.
  5. Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Topping — In a small bowl, mix panko, melted butter, and salt until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
  6. Step 6: Assemble and Bake — Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Pour mac and cheese into a baking dish, top evenly with breadcrumbs, and bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Notes

Serving: Garnish with parsley or chives. Pair with grilled meats or fresh salad.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze unbaked up to 2 months. Bake from frozen with 10 extra minutes.
Pro Tips: Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth sauce. Add smoked paprika, bacon bits, or chili flakes for extra flavor. For gluten-free, use GF pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs.