The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Pasta**: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. **Make the Cheese Sauce**: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux (a thickened paste). Be careful not to let it brown.

3. **Add Milk and Cream**: Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer, about 4-5 minutes.

4. **Add the Cheese**: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. **Combine Pasta and Sauce**: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

6. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish.

7. **Make the Topping**: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese for a crispy, golden topping.

8. **Bake**: Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If you like an extra-crispy top, you can broil the mac and cheese for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end (keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!).

9. **Serve**: Let the baked mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Spoon it onto plates or into bowls, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

### **Serving Suggestions**

– **Classic Side Dishes**: Baked mac and cheese pairs perfectly with classic sides like a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

– **Add Some Protein**: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to the mac and cheese before baking it.

– **Spice It Up**: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the cheese sauce. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top when serving for an extra kick.

### **Why This is The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese**

1. **The Cheese Sauce is Everything**: What sets this recipe apart from others is the richness of the homemade cheese sauce. By combining cheddar and Gruyère, you get a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess that you just can’t get from pre-made sauces or powdered cheese.

2. **Golden and Crispy Top**: The topping of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath. It’s the perfect finishing touch to elevate this dish from simple comfort food to a luxurious treat.

3. **Perfectly Creamy**: The combination of milk, cream, and butter creates a velvety smooth sauce that envelops the pasta perfectly, ensuring every bite is creamy and flavorful.

4. **Flexibility and Customization**: This recipe is easy to tweak according to your preferences. You can use different cheese combinations, add extra flavorings, or even mix in ingredients like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic for extra depth.

5. **Crowd-Pleaser**: No matter who you’re serving it to, this mac and cheese will win them over. It’s a dish that brings people together with its comforting and familiar flavors, making it perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks.

### **Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese**

– **Don’t Overcook the Pasta**: When cooking the pasta, be sure to follow the package instructions and cook it until it’s al dente. Overcooking the pasta can lead to mushy mac and cheese.

– **Use Whole Milk and Heavy Cream**: For the richest, creamiest sauce, use whole milk and heavy cream. Skim or low-fat milk won’t give you the same velvety texture.

– **Add More Cheese**: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to increase the amount of cheese in the sauce for an even cheesier result. You can also try a mix of cheeses like gouda, fontina, or Monterey Jack.

– **Make Ahead**: You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

– **Freezing**: If you want to store leftovers or make it in advance, baked mac and cheese freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

### **Conclusion**

**The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese** is a dish that combines all the best elements of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. This recipe is simple to make, customizable to your taste, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or the main course, this baked mac and cheese will quickly become a favorite in your household. Warm, cheesy, and indulgent, it’s the ultimate comfort food you’ll want to make again and again!