Description
Comfort meets culinary excellence in this mouthwatering Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese, combining creamy cheddar with crispy breadcrumb edges. Classic American comfort food reaches new heights, inviting you to savor each cheesy, golden-brown bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni, cooked
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Seasoning and Topping:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Initiate the base by gently melting unsalted butter in a deep saucepan over medium heat until completely liquefied and slightly foamy.
- Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously for approximately 60 seconds until the mixture transforms into a golden, bubbling roux with a nutty aroma.
- Introduce whole milk and heavy cream gradually, maintaining a steady whisking motion to prevent lumps from forming and ensure a silky, uniform consistency.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, watching for subtle bubbling that indicates the sauce is reaching the ideal texture and temperature.
- Integrate shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses into the warm base, stirring methodically until each cheese melts completely and creates a luxuriously smooth sauce.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
- Combine the prepared cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to promote consistent heating.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes until the top develops a golden, slightly crispy crust and the interior remains creamy and bubbling.
Notes
- Choose a variety of cheeses to create a more complex flavor profile, experimenting with sharp cheddar, Gouda, or fontina for depth.
- Prevent grainy cheese sauce by removing the pan from heat before adding cheese and stirring gently to maintain smooth consistency.
- Toast breadcrumbs with melted butter and herbs for a crispy, golden topping that adds incredible texture and extra flavor dimension.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same creamy sauce without wheat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg