Baked Creamy Mac and Cheese

Tips: 1 - Use block cheese and shred, do not buy the pre-shredded cheese. The pre-shredded cheese is coated and won't melt properly. 2 - Cook the pasta to slightly less than al dente, about one minute shy is perfect. The reason is that this is baked mac and cheese, so the pasta will continue to cook in the homemade cheese sauce while in the oven. 3 - This recipe starts with a roux. The roux is super important to getting very creamy cheese sauce. Here is what to look for: - The roux (equal parts butter and flour) is whisked together until bubbly and golden. - Whisk in cold milk, not warm, to prevent the flour from clumping. - Cook the roux until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking for an additional two minutes before adding the cheese.

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% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside. Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl.

Step 3

Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.

Step 4

Melt butter in a deep saucepan, Dutch oven, or stock pot.

Step 5

Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.

Step 7

Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick.

Step 8

Stir in the cooled pasta until combined and pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.

Step 9

Pour half of the Mac and cheese into thr prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and then the remaining Mac and cheese.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, parmesean cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.