AMAZING Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Lower calorie option or more budget-friendly.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta brands

More nutritious or cost-effective.

Fill a big pot with water and place it over high heat.

Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water once it starts boiling.

Shred 10 ounces of cheddar cheese and 10 ounces of Gruyère cheese.

Measure out 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of cream, optionally warming them in the microwave.

Add 1 pound of macaroni to the boiling water and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.

In a large pan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.

Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk for 2-4 minutes until it has a nutty smell.

Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking continuously until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Add 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 teaspoon of pepper, and optional nutmeg to the sauce.

Drain the cooked macaroni and add it back to the pan.

Add half of the shredded cheddar and half of the Gruyère to the warm sauce and whisk until melted and combined.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 3-quart baking dish.

In a small skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter for the topping.

Add panko crumbs to the melted butter and mix well to create the topping.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens