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BEST HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

BEST HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE vibrant golden crust served in rustic white dish with glass of water

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This BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. Perfect for family dinners, this Easy Mac And Cheese Casserole Baked is packed with cheesy goodness and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Enjoy a delicious Oven-baked Mac And Cheese that’s both classic and irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
  3. Whisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper until melted and smooth.
  6. Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and mix well.
  7. Pour macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter; sprinkle evenly over the top.
  9. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over breadcrumbs.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, add a little more cheese or substitute some milk with cream
  • Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
  • Let the mac and cheese rest a few minutes before serving for best results

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