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.
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
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.
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
Save 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.