Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Best Macaroni and Cheese Recipe EVER, a creamy, cheesy delight that promises to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also adds a touch of elegance with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping, making it a standout dish perfect for any occasion from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
The secret to this macaroni and cheese is in the rich, homemade cheese sauce, seasoned perfectly with a blend of spices that enhances the sharpness of the cheddar without overpowering it. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s bound to become a new favorite.
The BEST Macaroni and Cheese Recipe EVER
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Equipment: 3 ½ quart saucepan, 9″ x 9″ glass baking dish
Ingredients:
- Cheese Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter (1/2 stick)
- ¼ cup of flour
- A generous pinch of ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Macaroni:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- Topping:
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
Directions:
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the ¼ cup butter over medium heat.
- Mix together the flour, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add this flour mixture to the melted butter, stirring until smooth.
- Gradually add the half and half in small amounts, stirring constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Continue to stir and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat; it will start to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for about 5 more minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce:
- Add the cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure all macaroni is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prepare the Topping and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pour the macaroni and cheese into a 9″ x 9″ glass baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Serve this luxurious macaroni and cheese hot, straight from the oven, for a truly satisfying meal that combines classic comfort with a gourmet touch. Enjoy the creamy interior and crunchy topping that make this dish The BEST Macaroni and Cheese EVER!