Description
A cherished family recipe for creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese that’s perfect for gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni: Boil a large pot of salted water, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In that same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it forms a paste.
- Add milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until the cheese completely melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat each noodle evenly.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For an added crunch, mix some grated parmesan into the breadcrumbs. Adjust seasonings according to taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked pasta, comfort food