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The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz Macaroni pasta Elbow shape, boiled until al dente
  • 1/2 cup Butter Unsalted
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour Sifted
  • 4 cup Whole milk Warmed slightly
  • 16 oz Sharp cheddar cheese Freshly grated
  • 8 oz Gruyere cheese Freshly grated
  • 1 tsp Salt Kosher
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs For the crunchy topping
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley Finely chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Boil the macaroni pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain well.
  • Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour to create a roux, and cook for two minutes.
  • Gradually whisk in the warmed whole milk until the mixture is completely smooth and thickened.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the grated sharp cheddar and gruyere cheeses, salt, and black pepper until completely melted.
  • Combine the rich cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni pasta and transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the pasta.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.