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Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 147 reviews

This easy baked mac and cheese recipe features creamy sharp Cheddar cheese sauce combined with tender macaroni noodles, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. A comforting classic made simple and delicious for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cheese

  • 8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cups)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces
  • 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to get it ready for baking the mac and cheese at the end.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and return them to the original cooking pot.
  3. Prepare Milk Mixture: While the macaroni cooks, combine the milk and flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well mixed to create a smooth slurry.
  4. Add Milk Mixture: Shake the milk and flour mixture once more, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni noodles.
  5. Make Cheese Sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately to prevent scorching.
  6. Incorporate Butter and Cheese: Stir in the butter pieces and 2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Assemble and Top: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Lightly spray the breadcrumbs with cooking spray to help them brown.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp.

Notes

  • Use sharp Cheddar for best flavor, but feel free to mix different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variation.
  • For a richer sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of regular milk.
  • Make sure to stir the sauce continuously while heating to prevent lumps and sticking.
  • Try adding a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for extra depth.
  • Panko breadcrumbs can be replaced with regular breadcrumbs if needed, though panko yields a crunchier topping.
  • This dish is best served immediately after baking for optimal texture.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheddar mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/easy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/