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Homemade Mac and Cheese

This homemade baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy layer, making it a comfort food favorite for chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or similar shape Cooked in salted water
  • 4 tablespoons butter Plus 1 tablespoon for topping
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk Warmed
  • 1 cup half-and-half or evaporated milk Warmed
  • 3 cups freshly shredded cheese mix Use a combination of cheeses for best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Plus salt for pasta water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne Optional
Topping Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup panko or crushed buttery crackers For topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Boil pasta in well salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells toasty, not burnt.
  4. Slowly whisk in warmed milk and half-and-half. Keep whisking until smooth and slightly thick; it should coat the back of a spoon.
Cooking
  1. Reduce heat to low. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Add cheese in handfuls, stirring until melted and glossy.
  2. Taste and adjust salt; the sauce should be a touch saltier than you’d eat on its own since pasta will mellow it.
  3. Combine pasta and sauce. If it looks very thick, stir in a splash of warm milk. Pour into the baking dish.
  4. Melt 1 tablespoon butter and toss with panko or cracker crumbs. Sprinkle on top.
  5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbling at the edges and lightly golden. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tips to ensure the best results: salt your pasta water well, undercook the noodles slightly, and use freshly grated cheese. Allow the dish to rest before serving for a better texture.