Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, delivering creamy, cheesy goodness in every mouthful. This delightful dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. Perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings, it’s sure to bring smiles to the table and warm hearts. With easy preparation and endless customization options, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- 1. Cook the macaroni: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- 2. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese, mustard powder, and garlic powder until melted.
- 3. Combine: Mix the drained pasta with the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- 4. Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs.
- 5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added flavor, mix different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda. Incorporate cooked bacon bits or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven or microwave.