Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Week 42The weekly ranking of what America is cookingHow we rank · Archive
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The Weekly Edition: fifty dishes people are making right now, with our own easy recipe for each
This week / Weeknight / No. 46
Baked Mac and Cheese
46THIS WEEK
Photo: Flickr · credit
Weeknight

Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy, extra-cheesy macaroni with sharp cheddar and a little Gruyère, baked under buttery crumbs until bubbling.

Why it's here: Mac and cheese draws about 246,000 searches a month and climbs every fall.

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
Serves8

What you'll need

9x13 glass baking dishFor casseroles and bakes
Amazon
Enameled cast-iron Dutch ovenFor soups, stews and braises
AmazonWalmart

Store links go to the same item at each retailer, checked October 15, 2026. Want to compare? See the Top 50 Kitchen gear rankings.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 tsp mustard powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar, grated
  • 1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella, grated
  • Topping: 3/4 cup panko with 2 tbsp melted butter

Steps

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package says, then drain.
  2. Melt the butter in a large pot. Whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk. Simmer until thick, about 5 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat. Stir in the seasonings and cheeses until smooth, then fold in the pasta.
  4. Pour into a buttered 9x13 dish and top with the buttery panko.
  5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Rest 5 minutes.

TipThe sauce should look loose before baking. It thickens in the oven.