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Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

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A rich and indulgent baked mac and cheese with a creamy cheddar sauce and your choice of a crispy breadcrumb topping or a smoky cheese and chili topping. A classic comfort dish with a golden finish.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (226 g) dried elbow macaroni
  • Cheese Sauce: 1/4 cup (57 g) butter, 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour, 3 cups (725 ml) whole milk, 7 oz (200 g) white cheddar (crumbled), 3 oz (85 g) sharp orange cheddar (grated), 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/8 tsp garlic powder
  • Cheese and Chili Topping Option: 1/2 oz (15 g) sharp cheddar (grated), pinch–1/8 tsp chipotle chili powder (optional)
  • Crispy Cheese Topping Option: 1/2 cup panko or bread crumbs, 3 tbsp butter (melted), 1/2 cup sharp cheddar (grated)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute for a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened.
  5. Reduce heat, stir in white cheddar, orange cheddar, salt, chili powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
  6. Mix macaroni into cheese sauce and transfer to a buttered baking dish.
  7. Choose topping: either sprinkle cheddar and chili powder, or mix breadcrumbs with butter and cheddar, then spread on top.
  8. Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Optional: broil briefly for extra crispiness.

Notes

  • Stir in roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
  • Use pepper jack or Gruyère for different cheese flavors.
  • Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
  • For gluten-free, use GF pasta and flour.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/ultimate-creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese/