Description
Baked Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food, delivering a creamy, cheesy delight that warms the heart. This dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for added texture. Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this recipe is sure to evoke nostalgia and create cherished memories with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or seasoned)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted, and season with salt and pepper.
- Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer to the baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg