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A bubbling dish of baked mac and cheese with a golden crust.

Best way to grow with 3 Baked Mac and Cheese tips

This recipe focuses on three key tips to elevate your baked mac and cheese: achieving a crispy topping, creating an extra creamy sauce, and infusing deep flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Elbow macaroni
  • 0.5 cup Butter
  • 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
  • 4 cups Milk
  • 4 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Smoked gouda, shredded
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Crispy Topping
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons Butter, melted

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, smoked gouda, and cream cheese until everything is fully melted and smooth.
  4. Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.
  2. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
Serve
  1. Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing it to set slightly for easier serving.

Notes

For an even deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Monterey Jack or Gruyere, to find your perfect balance. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps in your sauce. If you prefer a richer, more complex flavor, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk.