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Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Tara Noland
This comforting Classic Macaroni and Cheese is a family favorite you'll want to make again and again!
5 from 10 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 10 -12 servings
Calories 457 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 5 1/2 cups milk
  • 6 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp. white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp. mustard powder
  • 5 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan grated
  • 1 lb. macaroni

Panko Crumb Topping

  • 1 cup panko crumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan
  • 2 Tbsp. butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375F. Butter a 3 quart casserole dish or two smaller ones, I usually stick one in the freezer to have at a later date. Just thaw and bake accordingly. Toss the panko with the Parmesan and butter, set aside. Fill a large pasta pot with salted water and heat over high heat.
  • Meanwhile in a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat the milk. Then melt the remaining 6 Tbsp. butter in another medium saucepan over medium heat. When the butter bubbles, add the flour and whisk, cooking for 1 min. While whisking slowly pour in the hot milk a bit at a time until all is incorporated. Let the mixture thicken and bubble while whisking constantly. Remove from heat and add the salt, nutmeg, white pepper, mustard powder and cayenne pepper. Whisk well. Then add the 5 cups of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan, set cheese sauce aside but stir occasionally so the mixture doesn’t form a skin on top.
  • Once water is boiling in the large pasta pot add the macaroni and cook until al dente. You really want it underdone as it will continue to cook in the oven. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water. Stir macaroni into the cheese sauce. Pour mixture into the prepared dish or dishes. Sprinkle on the panko crumbs. Bake for 30-45 min. until browned on the top and bubbling. Let cool for 5 min.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 457kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 21gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 703mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
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