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easy-baked-mac-and-cheese

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese

This easy baked mac and cheese combines a creamy cheese sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil for breadcrumb topping
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or other short pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk whole or 2% for creaminess
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 0.5 cup gruyere cheese grated
  • 0.5 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden.
  • Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar and gruyere until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  • Transfer mixture to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Listen for a sizzle as the sauce bubbles.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly, enhancing its creamy texture.