Name: Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups milk; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded; 1 cup cream cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time:

Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25-30 min | Total Time: 40-40 min

how to make Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
1 cup cream cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the macaroni until very al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheeses and cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well combined.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
In a bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

Make sure to cook the pasta al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven.
Use a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking for a better texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy nights in. The crispy topping gives it a delightful crunch that everyone will love!

how to serve Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese

Serve hot straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

how to store Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

tips to make Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese

For more flavor, add garlic powder or mustard to the cheese sauce.
Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or gouda.
Mix in veggies like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.

variation

You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in the fridge for about 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in 30-second increments.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to customize your mac and cheese by adding cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or different spices to suit your taste.

Disclaimer:

This recipe is intended for general informational purposes only. Always consider dietary needs and consult with a professional if necessary.

why make this recipe

Making Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese is simple, and it brings comfort and joy to any meal. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape can work, but ensure it can hold the cheese sauce.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it and bake it later or store it in the fridge before baking.

3. What can I do with leftovers?
You can reheat them for an easy meal or use them in a casserole.

4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it, but it may change the texture a bit when reheated.

5. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, just ensure that the cheese is made without animal rennet if you prefer.