Print

Amazing 15-Minute Classic Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese

Classic Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers the ultimate, comforting Classic Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese. You get a rich, creamy sauce baked under a golden crust for maximum gooey satisfaction.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. This is your roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 8 minutes. Do not boil.
  5. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and paprika.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter (optional). Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
  11. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains additives that make it melt less smoothly.
  • Warming the milk helps prevent lumps in your cheese sauce.
  • For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/classic-cheesy-baked-mac-and-cheese/