Oven-Baked Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe

Introduction

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta for a satisfying meal. This classic dish is easy to make and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue to cook, whisking, until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
• Try mixing different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for more texture and taste.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other shapes like penne, shells, or cavatappi depending on your preference.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Be sure to remove the sauce from heat before adding the cheese and stir continuously until smooth. Using shredded cheese helps it melt evenly, avoiding graininess.

Oven-Baked Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 127 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Classic homemade mac and cheese featuring creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce mixed with tender elbow macaroni, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown for a comforting and delicious meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Topping

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste and cook off the flour taste.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, forming a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
6. Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; alternatively, use 2% milk for a lighter version.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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