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macaroni and cheese

Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe

Try this staple recipe for the ultimate comforting side dish! Made with two types of cheese and a whole lot of spice, this is the Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe you’ll make all year!

Prep: 30Cook: 25Total: 55 minutes
Yield 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

  • 16oz elbow macaroni noodles
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2.5 cups freshly shredded gruyere cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease 9×13 casserole dish.
  2. In a large pot, cook macaroni according to instructions. Drain and then add back to pot with one tbsp butter to keep from sticking.
  3. In a large sauce pan, heat stick of butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until all combined. Slowly add in the milk, whisking the entire time. Let this cook for about 8-10 minutes over medium heat or until it turns into a very thick mixture. Be sure to stir often.
  4. Once the milk mixture has thickened greatly, turn off heat and add in cheese. Stir it in and let it melt. Add all the spices to the mixture, and stir until all the cheese has melted and is very thick.
  5. Pour the cheese mixture over top of the noodles and mix until well combined.
  6. Pour into greased 9×13 pan.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together panko, melted butter, and salt. Sprinkle over macaroni.
  8. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Broil for 3-4 minutes at the end for an extra crispy brown crust, keep an eye on it!
  9. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Author: ErinCategory: holiday, dinner, side dishMethod: ovenCuisine: American