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Ultimate Creamy & Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese with Golden Crust

A hand holding a massive, cheesy serving of baked mac and cheese with a crispy topping, showing long cheese pulls.
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Make this rich, creamy, and cheesy baked mac and cheese. It features a blend of sharp cheeses and a simple, buttery breadcrumb topping for a satisfying comfort food classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 8 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  5. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack cheeses to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Fold the cooked and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a Southern style variation, add 1/2 cup of evaporated milk to the cheese sauce for extra richness.
  • Shred your own cheese from blocks; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • If you prefer a softer topping, skip the breadcrumbs and simply sprinkle an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/baked-mac-and-cheese/