... Print

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

A slice of baked mac and cheese with a golden brown crust, showing creamy cheese and macaroni.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A rich and creamy baked mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for holidays or weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Do not overcook the sauce, or it may become grainy.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  7. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
  10. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Grate your own cheese for the creamiest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the mac and cheese but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add a splash of milk before baking and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.
  • Avoid overbaking to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy or the pasta from becoming mushy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-creamy-sauce/