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Classic Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 116 reviews

Classic homemade Mac and Cheese featuring creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, finished with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping baked to golden perfection.

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 elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to prepare the cheese sauce.
  2. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and cook for approximately 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking and cook the mixture until it thickens slightly to form a creamy béchamel sauce.
  4. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated evenly with the rich cheese sauce.
  6. Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into 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 crispy.

Notes

  • To add extra flavor, mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of paprika to the cheese sauce.
  • For a richer taste, substitute half of the cheddar cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture without baking, skip the breadcrumb topping and serve immediately after combining pasta and sauce.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baked from cold.

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, classic comfort food, cheddar cheese pasta, homemade mac and cheese, pasta casserole

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/classic-baked-mac-and-cheese-with-panko-breadcrumb-topping-recipe/