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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe

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4.6 from 389 reviews

Classic homemade mac and cheese featuring creamy cheddar cheese sauce and a crispy panko topping, baked to golden perfection for a comforting and delicious meal.

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, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and cook it for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  3. Add Milk: Gradually pour the whole milk into the roux while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly to form a creamy sauce.
  4. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
  6. Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly 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 a creamier texture, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as suggested.
  • Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread crumbs.
  • Using sharp cheddar cheese provides a rich and tangy flavor, but you can mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella as desired.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese

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