Save A creamy, comforting classic featuring tender macaroni enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection with a crispy topping.
This baked macaroni and cheese has always been a hit at family dinners, bringing everyone together over its warm and satisfying flavors.
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Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour 720 ml (3 cups) whole milk 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional) 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) 250 g (2 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 (1/4 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated
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Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux:
- In a large saucepan, melt 60 g butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until foamy but not browned.
- Add Milk and Cream:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add Seasoning and Cheese:
- Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, mustard powder, cayenne (if using), cheddar, and Gruyère until smooth and fully melted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save This recipe always sparks joy at our family gatherings, creating moments of happiness as everyone digs into their favorite comfort food.
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Required Tools
Large pot Saucepan Whisk Baking dish (2-liter/2-quart) Mixing bowls Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk, cheese (dairy) May contain traces of nuts or soy if present in cheese/breadcrumbs—check labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 590 Total Fat: 31 g Carbohydrates: 53 g Protein: 23 g per serving
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Enjoy this classic comfort food that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the macaroni is perfectly cooked?
Cook the macaroni until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions, so it finishes cooking while baking without becoming mushy.
- → Can I substitute the cheese used in the sauce?
Yes, Gruyère can be swapped for fontina or Monterey Jack to adjust the flavor while keeping the creamy texture.
- → What gives the topping its crispy texture?
A mixture of panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese creates a golden, crunchy topping when baked or briefly broiled.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the dish?
Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce or spice it up with cayenne pepper for a subtle kick without overpowering the cheese.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat and uses dairy-based ingredients, making it a vegetarian-friendly comfort meal.
