Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside. 2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture smells toasty and is light golden. 3. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the evaporated milk and whisk until smooth. 4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes. 5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne if using. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. 6. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until every piece is coated. Serve immediately. 7. For a crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with panko, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. The sauce may thicken upon cooling. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This recipe contains dairy and gluten. For specific dietary needs, please consult a qualified professional.
