Description
This creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting baked mac and cheese is a family favorite made with a rich cheese sauce and topped with a buttery breadcrumb topping for the perfect side dish or main meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (divided)
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 3 qt baking dish and set aside.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1 minute, whisking frequently.
- Slowly pour in milk and half and half, whisking constantly until smooth. Continue cooking until slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, paprika, 3 cups cheddar, and 1 1/2 cups Gruyere. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly with cheese sauce.
- Pour half the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1/2 cup each of remaining cheddar and Gruyere. Add the rest of the mac and cheese and repeat topping with the remaining cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
- You can substitute cheeses with others like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or fontina.
- Double the recipe for a crowd or holiday gathering.
- Add cooked bacon, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 642
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 575mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
