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Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

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A classic comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious, perfect for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dry macaroni pasta
  • 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups Half and Half
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
  • 3 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup White Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup panko
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or melted butter.
  2. Prepare the topping by mixing the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and seasoned salt.
  3. Cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, draining it 2 minutes early.
  4. Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a roux.
  5. Add whole milk and Half and Half gradually while whisking until smooth.
  6. Season the sauce with black pepper, nutmeg, garlic powder, and dried mustard, cooking until simmering.
  7. Melt the cheeses into the sauce until fully combined and creamy.
  8. Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce and mix well.
  9. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, sprinkle the topping evenly, and bake for 20 minutes.
  10. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skimp on the cheese; try different cheese combinations for unique flavors. Cooking pasta until al dente is crucial to avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni, comfort food, vegetarian

Find it online: https://dishfoody.com/homemade-baked-mac-and-cheese/