Creamy Baked Mac
Classic creamy baked Mac and Cheese featuring al dente elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs for a delightful golden crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth, and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the cheesy macaroni into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy on top.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, mix sharp cheddar with a milder cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère.
- Use whole milk for creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Butter the baking dish well to prevent sticking and enhance browning on the edges.
- Panko breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture; substitute with crushed crackers if preferred.
- Allow the mac and cheese to cool slightly before serving for best taste and consistency.
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, elbow macaroni with cheese sauce, cheesy pasta, comfort food
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/creamy-baked-mac/
