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Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulgent Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

This Baked Mac and Cheese combines rich flavors of three cheeses for an indulgent comfort dish.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Noodles
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Mac and Cheese, Cheesy, comfort food, family favorite, recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 500kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • pot
  • Whisk

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz Dry Macaroni Pasta or substitute with small shells or cavatappi

For the Sauce

  • 1 stick Butter adds richness; margarine can be used
  • 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour gluten-free flour can substitute
  • 2 cups Whole Milk or use heavy cream for extra richness
  • 2 cups Half and Half
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg use sparingly
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh garlic can enhance flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Mustard Dijon mustard can be used

For the Cheese

  • 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese use freshly shredded
  • 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese extra sharp cheddar can substitute
  • 2 cups Gruyere Cheese or use Fontina or mozzarella

For the Topping

  • 0.5 cup Panko Breadcrumbs or use regular breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoon Melted Butter for Topping skip for a lighter topping
  • 0.25 teaspoon Seasoned Salt regular salt can substitute

Instructions

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the macaroni until almost al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil or butter.
  • Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute until bubbling.
  • Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and half and half until smooth. Add black pepper, nutmeg, garlic powder, and mustard. Simmer for 6-8 minutes until thickened.
  • Add the Cheeses: Stir in the sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and Gruyere until melted and smooth. Combine with the cooked pasta.
  • Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni mixture into the dish and sprinkle panko on top.
  • Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20 minutes, broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Optional: Add ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese to the panko topping before baking for extra cheesiness.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality. Monitor baking time to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 800IU | Calcium: 350mg | Iron: 2mg
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