Name: Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300g / 10 oz macaroni; 4 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter; 1/4 cup (35g) all-purpose flour; 3 cups (750 ml) milk, warmed; 1 cup (250 ml) cream, warmed; 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping); 1/2 cup (50g) shredded parmesan cheese (for topping)

Description

This Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort food classic made with a homemade béchamel sauce, plenty of cheese, and a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion that calls for indulgence.

Ingredients

300g / 10 oz macaroni
4 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (35g) all-purpose flour
3 cups (750 ml) milk, warmed
1 cup (250 ml) cream, warmed
2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
1/2 cup (50g) shredded parmesan cheese (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan).
Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp butter. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually add warm milk and cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, and pepper until smooth and melted.
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined.
Pour macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish.
In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
This dish can be assembled ahead and baked later.
Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 635
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 630mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 105mg