Description
Ultra creamy macaroni and cheese baked with a bubbling, golden crust. Made with a two-cheese blend and classic béchamel, this is the comfort dish you’ll keep coming back to—for holidays, weeknights, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard or cayenne pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until pale golden and smooth.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated cheddar and Gruyère until fully melted and smooth.
6. Add salt, pepper, and dry mustard or cayenne. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
9. In a bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top along with the reserved cheddar.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
Make-ahead tip: Assemble the dish fully and refrigerate for up to two days before baking.
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven covered with foil to retain moisture and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, comfort food, creamy baked mac and cheese