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Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A rich and creamy traditional American dish that is perfect for family gatherings, made with layers of gooey cheese and a crunchy topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 7 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and sauce base
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or your choice of pasta
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature for easy mixing
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 5 cups whole milk warm for a smoother sauce
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese look for a quality aged variety for deeper flavor
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese or double the cheddar if preferred
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated gives the best results
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste; adjust based on cheese saltiness
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika adds color and a subtle flavor
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping
  • 2 tbsp melted butter to mix with the breadcrumbs
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large 3-quart baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce
  1. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
  2. Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens for about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing until every piece is well-coated.
Topping
  1. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter along with a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Transfer the macaroni cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the breadcrumb topping over the top.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. If you want an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it so you don't burn it!

Notes

Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving for prettier servings. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.