Name: Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp butter; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 0.5 cup cheddar cheese; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 3 cups whole milk; 4 cups cheddar cheese; 1 lb elbow macaroni

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Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

For the topping

1 tbsp buttermelted

1 cup panko bread crumbs

½ cup cheddar cheesegrated

For the mac and cheese

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups whole milk

4 cups cheddar cheesegrated

1 lb elbow macaroniyou can also use campanelle, cavatappi, or shells

Instructions

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Instructions

Place the topping ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.

Preheat oven to 400° F.

Cook pasta in salted water* for about 3 minutes less than package directions call for, until al dente, reserving half a cup of the pasta water.

In a large pot melt the butter and then add the flour, whisking continuously over low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes to make a roux.

Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until sauce is gently bubbling and starting to thicken.

Add reserved pasta water and cheddar cheese and whisk until melted.

Stir in the pasta.

Transfer to a greased 9"x13" baking dish.**

Sprinkle topping on macaroni and cheese.

Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbling.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Toast Your Breadcrumb Topping 🍞
Toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and toast in a skillet for 2-3 minutes before topping to create a golden, crispy crust that won't become soggy.
Use a Cheese Blend for Depth 🧀
Mix sharp aged cheddar with a milder cheddar or Gruyère to create complex flavor layers that prevent the sauce from tasting one-dimensional.
Create a Proper Béchamel Base 🥛
Make your roux with equal parts butter and flour, cook it for 1-2 minutes before adding milk slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure silky sauce.
Season the Pasta Water Generously 🧂
Salt the boiling water as much as sea water before cooking pasta—this seasons the noodles themselves and enhances the overall dish flavor.
Reserve Pasta Water for Sauce Adjustment 💧
Save 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining; use it to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling better to the noodles for creamier results.