Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Name: Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Deutsch
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 5 cups milk (whole milk recommended); 1 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; To taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Gruyere/Colby Jack); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping); 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

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This classic baked macaroni and cheese recipe delivers on all fronts: tender pasta enveloped in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust that bakes to a perfect golden crisp. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, bringing warmth and smiles to any February gathering.

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Prep Time20 min

Cook Time45 min

Servings8 servings

DifficultyMedium

Equipment

Large potLarge saucepan or Dutch oven9x13 inch baking dish

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
3
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue whisking and cook until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Remove from heat and stir in dry mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add 3 cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine thoroughly. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
7
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories600 kcal

Protein28g

Fat35g

Carbohydrates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! A blend of cheeses often gives the best flavor and texture. Good options include Gruyere, fontina, Colby Jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

How can I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Ensure your milk is at room temperature or slightly warmed before adding to the roux. Also, remove the sauce from direct heat before adding the cheese and stir until just melted. Don't let the sauce boil after adding cheese.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the mac and cheese up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

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RECIPE BY

Leckere Rezepte

We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.