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–+ servings
Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

Experience the ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese, perfectly creamy with a crunchy topping, ideal for gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine Western
Servings 8 people
Calories 551 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large saucepan
  • ovenproof skillet
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

Macaroni

  • 250 g macaroni (elbow pasta)
  • 15 g unsalted butter or 2 teaspoon oil

Topping

  • ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs can substitute with normal breadcrumbs
  • 30 g unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Sauce

  • 60 g unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup flour plain / all purpose
  • 3 cups milk warmed (low or full fat)
  • 2 cups freshly shredded cheese gruyere best (followed by cheddar and Colby)
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese or more cheese of choice
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Seasonings (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions
 

Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add macaroni and cook per packet directions MINUS 1 minute.
  • Drain, return pasta to pot, add butter and toss until melted. Set aside to cool while making the sauce.

Topping

  • Mix together topping ingredients. Set aside.

Sauce

  • Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
  • Add about 1 cup of the milk and mix until lump free. Then add remaining milk and mix well.
  • Mix in salt and seasonings if using.
  • Cook, stirring regularly for 5-8 minutes until thickened to a cream consistency.
  • Remove from heat, add cheese and stir. Check salt and adjust if necessary.

Assembling

  • Pour sauce into pot with macaroni. Stir quickly, then pour back into skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until top is light golden. Serve immediately.

Notes

Grate your own cheese for best results. Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchier topping. Optionally, refrigerate or freeze assembled dish for later baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 551kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 23gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 847mgPotassium: 326mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 915IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 449mgIron: 1.4mg
Keyword Baked Mac and Cheese, BEST Mac and Cheese, Mac and cheese recipe, macaroni and cheese
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