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Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

This easy baked mac and cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy pasta dish topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Perfect as a comforting side or main, this recipe uses a simple stovetop cheese sauce finished with a quick bake in the oven for golden, bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cheese

  • 8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cup)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces
  • 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain. Return the noodles to the same pot used for cooking.
  3. Make Milk-Flour Mixture: While the macaroni cooks, combine 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
  4. Add Milk Mixture: Shake the milk and flour mixture once more to ensure even consistency, then pour it into the pot with the cooked macaroni.
  5. Cook Sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer, then remove immediately from heat to avoid curdling.
  6. Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Then, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly and lightly spray with cooking spray for a crispy topping.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Notes

  • Use sharp Cheddar cheese for a bold flavor; mild Cheddar can be substituted for a creamier, less sharp taste.
  • Be careful not to overcook the sauce on the stovetop to prevent it from thickening too much or curdling.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • The baking step is brief to only melt the cheese and brown the topping, so watch carefully to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
  • This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and crisp topping; leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, baked mac, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/easy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-2/