Description
Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy cheese enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb layer. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in, delivering warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins like vegetables or different cheeses for a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp and mild blend)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente (about 7-8 minutes), then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute. Gradually add the milk while whisking until smooth; simmer until thickened (about five minutes).
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg