Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy and cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Customizable with various cheeses and toppings, it's simple to make and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 250 g macaroni (elbow pasta)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter or 2 tsp oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 3 cups milk (warmed, low or full fat)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (gruyere preferred)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese or other cheese of choice
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Topping
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp of butter to prevent sticking.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the warmed milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and salt.
- Add the shredded cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy.
Combining and Baking
- Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a creamier texture, use a combination of different cheeses. You can add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with different breadcrumb toppings for a unique touch.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g
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