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.

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Cook the pasta per the package's directions, but knock a minute or two off the cooking time. Drain the pasta, and pour it into a greased 13x9-inch pan.

While the noodles cook, melt 8 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Stir the flour into the butter, and cook for 1 minute. Stir the milk into the roux along with the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.

Stir the cream cheese into the sauce until it melts. Add the Gruyere and cheddar cheese until melted, and incorporate the sauce into the baking dish with the pasta.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and toss with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs in an even layer over the macaroni and cheese.

Bake the macaroni and cheese for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown, and serve warm.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens