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CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Olivia Farnsworth

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Experience the ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese that delivers the Best Comfort Food experience when you crave Baked Macaroni. This Creamy Mac And Cheese is rich, cheesy, and baked to perfection with a crispy topping, making it the perfect cozy meal for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz (226 g) dried elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup (57 g) butter, salted or unsalted
  • 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (725 ml) whole milk
  • 7 oz (200 g) mature aged white cheddar, crumbled
  • 3 oz (85 g) sharp orange cheddar, grated or crumbled
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 oz (15 g) sharp aged cheddar cheese (topping), grated
  • Pinch (1/8 teaspoon) chipotle chili powder, optional
  • 1/2 cup (113 ml) Panko or dried bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) salted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (113 ml) sharp aged cheddar cheese, grated (crispy topping)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  5. Slowly whisk in whole milk, continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in mature white cheddar and sharp orange cheddar until fully melted and smooth.
  7. Add salt, chili powder, and garlic powder to the cheese sauce, mix well.
  8. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat evenly.
  9. Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
  10. For cheese and chili topping: mix grated sharp cheddar cheese with chipotle chili powder and sprinkle evenly over mac and cheese.
  11. For crispy topping: combine Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated sharp cheddar cheese, sprinkle evenly over cheese layer.
  12. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  13. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Note 1: Use elbow macaroni or similar small pasta shapes for best results.
  • Note 2: Use quality aged cheddar cheeses for a rich and flavorful sauce.
  • For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of chili powder and chipotle chili powder to taste.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.