Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2½ cup milk
• 1½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyere, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until cheeses are melted and smooth.
5. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, toss Panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.