Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Ultimate Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. A comforting American classic that’s perfect for a family meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- 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 elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until 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 cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a half cup of cream cheese or a bit of mozzarella to the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
- Make sure to stir the sauce constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
Keywords: mac and cheese, cheddar cheese, baked mac and cheese, classic American comfort food, cheesy pasta bake
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/ultimate-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
