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Ultra Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Close-up of creamy baked mac and cheese in a white dish, topped with golden breadcrumbs.
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A simple recipe for ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese with a bubbly top and crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter 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 or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, until lightly golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking often, and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  7. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra cheesy flavor, use a blend of your favorite cheeses.
  • You can make this dish ahead of time. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
  • This mac and cheese reheats well. Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/baked-mac-and-cheese/