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Description
This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a comforting and cheesy dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It is simple to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Gradually add cheddar and Gruyere cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier mac and cheese, use whole milk or half-and-half.
- You can substitute other cheeses for cheddar and Gruyere, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or Parmesan.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
- For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon or ham to the macaroni and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg