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Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 5 tablespoons salted butter
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2¾ cups milk
- ½ cup half and half or light cream
- 14 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese approximately 3½ cups lightly packed
- 1½ ounces shredded Parmesan cheese approximately ½ cup
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons butter melted
- 2 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese approximately ½ cup lightly packed
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well, run under cold water, and set aside.
- In a small bowl, make the topping by combining Panko breadcrumbs, 2 teaspoons butter, 2 ounces cheddar, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Mix well and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking until smooth after each addition. Continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer, then let it simmer for 1 minute.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and add cheddar & Parmesan cheeses, mustard powder, seasoned salt, and pepper. Whisk until melted and smooth.
- Toss the sauce with the drained macaroni and gently spoon it into a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the Panko crumb mixture over the top and bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until bubbly and the topping is browned. Avoid overcooking.
Notes
For extra flavor, feel free to add cooked bacon or vegetables.
Make sure not to overcook the macaroni to maintain its texture after baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg