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Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe: Easy 5-Step Homemade Golden Perfection

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This creamy mac and cheese features a velvety cheese sauce, a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère, and a crispy golden panko topping. It’s pure comfort food, easy to make, and perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  4. Slowly whisk in whole milk and evaporated milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Cook until slightly thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  6. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  8. Pour cheesy pasta into prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the surface.
  9. Bake uncovered for 22-25 minutes, until topping is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
  10. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese for a smooth sauce. Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness after baking. Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchier topping than regular breadcrumbs. Let the dish rest after baking for a thicker, sliceable mac and cheese. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations are possible with ingredient swaps.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, comfort food, casserole, family dinner, easy mac and cheese, golden topping, cheese sauce, kid-friendly

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-5-step-homemade-golden-perfection/