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The Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with a Golden, Crunchy Topping

Close-up of baked mac and cheese recipe showing gooey cheese pull and golden breadcrumb topping.
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Follow these steps to make a rich, creamy baked macaroni and cheese featuring a blend of sharp cheeses and a crisp breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 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 grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 4 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 7 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. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese until coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra sharp flavor, use an aged sharp cheddar.
  • Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • If you prefer a softer topping, skip the butter on the panko and just sprinkle the dry breadcrumbs over the top before baking.

Nutrition

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