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Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole

Indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight with this irresistibly comforting baked mac and cheese casserole, perfect for satisfying cravings and impressing guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauces
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni Cooked until almost tender
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter For the roux
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour To thicken the sauce
  • 2 cups whole milk For a creamy texture
Cheeses
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated For flavor
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated For stretch and gooeyness
  • 1/2 cup gruyere cheese or Monterey Jack, grated Optional for additional flavor
Toppings
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs For crunchy topping
  • 1/2 cup extra cheese, grated For topping before baking

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Boil the elbow macaroni until almost al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add flour slowly to the melted butter and stir to form a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
  4. Stir in the grated cheeses until melted and gooey.
Combine and Bake
  1. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  2. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  3. Top with additional cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Serve
  1. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese. Variations include adding crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or mixing in vegetables.