Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Ultimate Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy cheddar cheese sauce with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Ideal as a comforting main dish or family favorite, it delivers rich, cheesy flavors with a crunchy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- 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 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly, ensuring the mixture remains smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens slightly to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor.
- Ensure pasta is not overcooked; it should be al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
- For extra creaminess, substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream.
- To add a smoky flavor, incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the cheese sauce.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch; you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, comfort food, American recipe
Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/ultimate-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
