Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Ultimate Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort dish ready in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender elbow macaroni baked in a rich cheddar cheese sauce with a crispy golden panko breadcrumb topping, it’s an indulgent and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a 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 remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, forming a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure all pasta is well coated.
- Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on 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 richness, use a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses.
- To achieve a crispier topping, you can toss the panko bread crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
- Make sure to whisk the milk gradually into the roux to prevent lumps.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheddar cheese pasta
Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/ultimate-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
