Description
This Classic Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish perfect for any occasion. Featuring al dente elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs baked to a golden perfection, this easy-to-make meal satisfies all ages and makes a perfect side or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (Cooked until al dente)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
Topping
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted, for mixing with breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the roux is golden and bubbling.
- Add milk and thicken sauce: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low and add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta.
- Prepare baking dish: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Add topping: Mix 1 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter until evenly combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve your classic baked mac and cheese warm and delight in a comforting, cheesy meal loved by all.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- You can add cooked bacon or caramelized onions to elevate the flavor.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
