Decadent Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry macaroni
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in macaroni until evenly coated.
5. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Interesting Facts

• Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food.
• The first recipe for mac and cheese was published in 1769.
• Cheddar cheese is the most commonly used cheese for mac and cheese.
• Mac and cheese is often served as a side dish but can also be a main course.