Homemade Mac and Cheese
by unknown · 4/29/2026
DinnerComfort FoodVegetarianAmericanPasta
Ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese with a golden, crumb-topped crust. The ultimate comfort dish.
6 servingsPrep: 15 minCook: 35 minTotal: 50 min
Ingredients
Servings:
6
- 1 lbelbow macaroni
- 2 cupssharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 cupGruyère, shredded
- 2½ cupswhole milk
- ½ cupheavy cream
- 4 tbspbutter
- 3 tbspall-purpose flour
- 1 tspDijon mustard
- pinchcayenne pepper
- ¾ cuppanko breadcrumbs
- to tastesalt and pepper
Instructions
- 1.Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook macaroni until just under al dente (it will keep cooking in the oven). Drain.
- 2.Melt 3 tbsp butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cream.
- 3.Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- 4.Stir in mustard, cayenne, and most of the cheese until melted. Season. Fold in macaroni.
- 5.Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Toss panko with 1 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle over.
- 6.Bake 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a combination of cheeses — sharp cheddar for flavor, Gruyère for melt, and a little American for extra creaminess.