Description
Classic Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese featuring creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce combined with tender shell pasta and topped with crispy seasoned panko bread crumbs, baked to golden perfection in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese
- 3 cups shell pasta, cooked 2 minutes less than al dente
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the shell pasta according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to keep the pasta slightly firm. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually add the whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Continue cooking and whisking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine cheese and pasta: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Fold the slightly undercooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese: Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into an 11×7 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by a layer of seasoned panko bread crumbs for a crunchy topping. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best experience.
Notes
- For extra creamy texture, use whole milk as specified.
- To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Seasoned panko bread crumbs add great texture, but you can use plain panko if preferred.
- Do not overcook pasta; it will continue to cook during baking.
- Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a mild spicy twist.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the most flavorful sauce.
