Description
Savor the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked mac and cheese. Perfectly cheesy, with a golden crust, it’s sure to brighten any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about seven minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened (about five minutes). Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for five minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added variety, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli. Try different cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.