Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
A creamy and cheesy comfort food favorite, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, featuring a blend of cheeses and a crispy panko topping.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry macaroni pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups Half and Half
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
- 3 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup White Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 (3 Qt) baking dish with cooking spray or melted butter and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko topping ingredients and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until almost al dente (about 2 minutes less than the indicated cooking time). Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Toss to coat.
Cooking the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter (be careful not to let it brown). Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to simmer, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Once the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Repeat this process with the white cheddar and then the Gruyere cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta, mixing until every piece is well coated. Add in some additional white cheddar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking
- Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Smooth the top into an even layer. Sprinkle the prepared panko topping on top and bake for 20 minutes. If it’s not golden enough, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes while keeping a close eye on it.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Homemade baked mac and cheese can be served as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs well with a simple salad, barbecue items, or roasted vegetables. For an extra touch, top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect mix. Ensure your pasta is slightly undercooked to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked. For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon, vegetables, or spices that you love. Make it extra crispy by adding more panko or using breadcrumbs for the topping.