Ultimate Mac and Cheese (Printable Version)
Creamy cheese sauce coats tender pasta with crunchy topping for comforting dinner in just 30 minutes.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
250 g elbow macaroni
→ Cheese Sauce
02 -
60 g unsalted butter
03 -
45 g all-purpose flour
04 -
600 ml whole milk
05 -
200 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
→ Topping
06 -
50 g panko bread crumbs
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
02 -
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour until smooth and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste.
03 -
Gradually pour in whole milk while whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and achieves a creamy consistency that will cling to the pasta.
04 -
Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
05 -
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
06 -
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle panko bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the interior is bubbling.
# Notes:
01 -
For ideal texture, cook pasta one minute less than package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking.
02 -
Using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded enhances meltability and texture.
03 -
Allow the cheese sauce to simmer gently to develop depth of flavor.