Save A classic comfort dish featuring tender macaroni enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection with a crisp topping.
This baked mac and cheese has always been a favorite at family gatherings, bringing warmth and smiles to the table.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 60 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, 40 g (⅓ cup) all-purpose flour, 720 ml (3 cups) whole milk, 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 300 g (3 cups) sharp cheddar cheese grated, 100 g (1 cup) Gruyère cheese grated
- Topping: 60 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter melted, 30 g (¼ cup) Parmesan cheese grated, ¼ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large saucepan, melt 60 g butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until bubbling but not browned.
- Step 4:
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 4-5 minutes).
- Step 5:
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 6:
- Remove from heat. Add cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Step 7:
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Step 8:
- For the topping, mix panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until topping is golden and sauce is bubbling.
- Step 10:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save This dish has been a staple at our family dinners, always bringing comfort and joy to every meal.
Required Tools
Large pot, saucepan, whisk, baking dish (23x33 cm / 9x13-inch), measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat in pasta and flour), milk, and eggs if using enriched pasta. Contains dairy from cheese, butter, milk, and cream. Always verify ingredient labels for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 600 calories, 32 g total fat, 53 g carbohydrates, 23 g protein
Save Enjoy your creamy and crispy baked mac and cheese fresh from the oven for the best experience.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well while baking, but small shells or cavatappi can also work.
- → How do I ensure a smooth cheese sauce?
Whisk the butter and flour mixture until bubbly before gradually adding warm milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- → Can I make it gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends and use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- → What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the sauce?
Dijon mustard adds subtle tang and depth, enhancing the sharpness of the cheeses without overpowering the dish.
- → How to achieve a crispy topping?
Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, then evenly sprinkle over the dish before baking.