Description

Baked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish combining tender elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce and a perfectly golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. Ideal as a hearty side or main course, this classic recipe offers warmth and satisfying flavors, customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

For the Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for tossing with breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the mixture thicken gently, then stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated generously for maximum creaminess.
Transfer and Top: Pour the cheesy pasta into a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top, tossing them in melted butter beforehand if desired for extra crunch.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns crisp and golden brown.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for a robust, tangy flavor.
Don’t skip the roux to ensure a smooth, thick cheese sauce without lumps.
Reserve a little pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed before baking.
Butter the breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy and golden topping.
Allow the baked dish to rest a few minutes after baking to set and avoid soupy edges.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, creamy cheese sauce, golden crust, family dinner, easy recipe