====== Baked mac and cheese ====== ===== Ingredients ===== Macaroni: * 8 oz elbow pasta * 1 tbsp unsalted butter Topping: * 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs * 2 tbsp unsalted butter * 1/4 tsp salt Sauce: * 4 tbsp unsalted butter * 1/3 cup flour * 3 cups milk * 2 cups freshly shredded cheese((The source prefers gruyere, then cheddar and colby.)) * 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese * 3/4 tsp salt * 1 tsp garlic powder * 1/2 tsp onion powder * 1/2 tsp mustard powder ===== Instructions ===== - Cook pasta per packet instructions **minus** 1 minute. Drain, return to pot, and toss in butter until melted. Set aside to cool while making the sauce. - Mix together topping ingredients; set aside. - Preheat oven to 350 F. - In a large saucepan or an ovenproof skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. - Add 1 cup milk and mix to dissolve the paste into the milk. Add remaining milk and mix until free of lumps (using a whisk if necessary). - Mix in salt and seasonings. Cook, stirring/whisking regularly, for 5--8 minutes until thickened to a cream consistency. When the sauce coats the back of a wooden spoon, it should be possible to draw a path through with a finger. - Remove from stove, add cheese, and stir. The cheese does not need to melt. Adjust salt to taste. - Pour sauce into pot with macaroni. Stir quickly, then pour into the skillet or a baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping. - Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is light golden. Don't bake too long, or the sauce will be baked away. Serve immediately with a garnish of fresh parsley (if desired). ===== Sources ===== * https://www.recipetineats.com/baked-mac-and-cheese/