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Close-up of a baking dish of mac and cheese topped with melted cheese, with a few scoops removed to show the creamy inside

Expert-approved Comforting American Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese your family will love. Expert-approved! #comfortfood #macandcheese #dinner
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Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large pot, 8x8 baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the flour and garlic powder, and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thick.
  • Add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the cooked macaroni and stir until everything is combined.
  • Pour the macaroni and cheese into an 8x8 baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.