Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 0.5 cup butter
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish

2. 2

   Cook macaroni according to package directions minus 1 minute, drain

3. 3

   In same pot, melt butter over medium heat

4. 4

   Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create roux

5. 5

   Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes

6. 6

   Remove from heat, add cheeses, mustard powder, garlic powder, and cayenne

7. 7

   Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth

8. 8

   Add cooked macaroni and stir to coat evenly

9. 9

   Pour into prepared baking dish

10. 10

    Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over top

11. 11

    Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top