Creamy Christmas Mac & Cheese Bake 🎅
A festive and creamy mac & cheese bake, perfect for the holidays with a crispy panko topping.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Small Bowl
- Large saucepan or oven-safe skillet
- Baking Dish
- Whisk
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or 2 teaspoons oil)
Crispy Topping
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for topping)
Cheesy Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk warmed (use low-fat or full-fat for a richer taste)
- 2 cups freshly shredded Gruyère cheese (or sharp cheddar, for a classic flavor)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (for that perfect stretch!)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, enhances cheese flavor)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions, but remove it one minute early to ensure it's perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and toss with 1 tablespoon of butter until melted. Set aside to cool slightly – this simple step helps prevent your pasta from getting soggy later!
- 2. Make the Crispy Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and set aside. This golden, crunchy topping is a must!
- 3. Start the Cheesy Sauce: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large saucepan or oven-safe skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux – this is the secret to a thick, creamy sauce.
- 4. Build the Velvety Sauce: Slowly pour in about 1 cup of the warmed milk, mixing continuously to dissolve the roux paste. Once smooth, add the remaining milk and continue stirring until completely lump-free. If you spot any stubborn lumps, a quick whisk will sort them out!
- 5. Thicken and Flavor: Stir in 3/4 teaspoon of salt and any optional seasonings like garlic, onion, or mustard powder. Cook, stirring regularly, for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens to a lovely cream consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon, and you should be able to draw a line with your finger. Remove the pan from the heat.
- 6. Melt in the Cheese: Add both the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce. Stir gently until the cheese begins to melt and combine. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Using freshly grated cheese makes a big difference for a healthier, smoother sauce!
- 7. Assemble and Bake: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cooled macaroni in the pot and stir quickly to coat. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into your baking dish or back into the oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
- 8. Golden Perfection: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is a light golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out your luscious sauce!
- 9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious, easy-to-make Mac & Cheese immediately! It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad for a balanced holiday meal.
Notes
Serve your delicious, easy-to-make Mac & Cheese immediately! It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad for a balanced holiday meal.
To prevent pasta from getting soggy later, cook it one minute early to ensure it's perfectly al dente and toss with butter. The golden, crunchy panko topping is a must! Remember that using freshly grated cheese makes a big difference for a healthier, smoother sauce. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out your luscious sauce!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 551 cal
- Total Carbs: 48g
- Fats: 29g
- Protein: 23g
