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A bubbling dish of baked macaroni and cheese fresh from the oven

Ultimate Creamy & Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese

This ultimate baked mac and cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy sauce with a perfectly crispy topping, ideal for a comforting meal that will satisfy everyone.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • nutmeg Pinch (optional)
Cheese Blend
  • 4 cups shredded cheese blend 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup Gruyère, 1 cup Monterey Jack
Topping
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese for topping

Equipment

  • baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • large pot
  • large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • whisk
  • small bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large saucepan, then whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk until smooth, then simmer and whisk for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  3. Remove from heat, stir in salt, pepper, mustard powder, and nutmeg, then add the shredded cheeses gradually, stirring until melted.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until fully coated.
  2. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Combine panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
  4. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden and bubbly, optionally broiling for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
  5. Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra sharp flavor, you can increase the amount of sharp cheddar cheese. To make ahead, assemble the mac and cheese without the topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping and bake as directed, increasing baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.