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Ultra Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a thick slice of creamy baked mac and cheese with a golden-brown crust.
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A simple yet luxurious homemade mac and cheese recipe with a silky sauce and a crunchy baked topping, perfect for a comforting and indulgent meal.

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
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, until lightly golden.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  6. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
  9. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra cheesy flavor, use a mix of your favorite cheeses.
  • If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will also work.
  • You can add cooked bacon bits or jalapeños to the mac and cheese before baking for added flavor.

Nutrition

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