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Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni cooked 1 minute shy of al dente
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk warmed
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 2 cups gruyere cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until 1 minute shy of al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and lightly simmers.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, grated cheddar, and gruyere until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.