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Cozy Make-Ahead Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Crust

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This creamy, decadent baked mac and cheese features a silky cheese sauce and a golden, crunchy panko crust. Perfect for make-ahead meals, potlucks, or cozy evenings, it’s the ultimate comfort food that started as a happy accident.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450 g) elbow macaroni
  • 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100 g) Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp (2 g) garlic powder
  • 1 tsp (5 g) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
  • 1 cup (80 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp (2 g) paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than package directions (about 7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain, but do not rinse.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux smells nutty but not brown.
  4. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and Gruyère one handful at a time until fully melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the drained pasta into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece is coated.
  7. Prepare the panko crust: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix in the panko breadcrumbs and paprika until the crumbs are evenly coated (like wet sand).
  8. Assemble the dish: Transfer the mac and cheese to the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the panko mixture over the top in an even layer. Do not press down.
  9. Bake: Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown. If browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes.
  10. Rest before serving: Let the mac and cheese sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to set before serving.

Notes

For extra-crispy panko, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before mixing with butter. If the sauce separates, remove from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold milk. Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, panko crust, make-ahead mac and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, potluck recipe, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/cozy-make-ahead-baked-mac-and-cheese-with-panko-crust-best-easy-comfort-food/