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Creamy Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe with Perfect Golden Crust

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A rich, creamy mac and cheese with a golden, crispy panko crust that is quick and easy to make, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 3 cups (340 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour continuously for about 2 minutes until light golden and nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups (720 ml) warmed whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, whisking often, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Gradually add 3 cups (340 g) shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if too thick.
  5. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and fold gently to coat evenly.
  6. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons (28 g) melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional).
  7. Pour mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden and crispy and edges are bubbling.
  9. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Use gluten-free flour and pasta for a gluten-free option. Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for dairy-free. Avoid pre-shredded cheese to prevent gritty sauce. Warm milk before adding to roux to keep sauce silky. Watch crust during baking to avoid burning. Let mac and cheese rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, golden crust, easy dinner

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/creamy-classic-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-perfect-golden-crust/