Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

Amounts scale with servings. Pan size and cooking time may need adjusting for larger batches.

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Let’s make it

1. 1

   Heat the oven to 375°F. Cook the macaroni in salted water until just shy of tender. Drain well.

2. 2

   Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until the sauce thickens, 4–5 minutes.

3. 3

   Take the pot off the heat. Stir in 2½ cups cheddar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in the pasta.

4. 4

   Spread in a 2-quart baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and panko. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top. Rest 5 minutes before serving.