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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

A classic homemade macaroni and cheese recipe featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and baked until golden brown. Perfectly comforting and cheesy comfort food made from scratch.

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

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly, and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.
  3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens slightly into a smooth sauce.
  4. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy mixture.
  6. Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the cheese sauce.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a robust flavor or combine with other cheeses like mozzarella or gruyere for variation.
  • Be careful not to overcook pasta in boiling water since it will cook further in the oven.
  • You can substitute panko bread crumbs with crushed crackers or omit topping for a softer finish.
  • Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Keywords: mac and cheese, homemade macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-with-panko-topping-recipe/