Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, delivering creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. This classic dish combines al dente elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer for the perfect texture. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can enjoy this nostalgic treat any time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- 2. Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly add milk and stir until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- 3. Add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted. Season with mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Combine: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well-coated.
- 5. Prepare to bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half the macaroni mixture in a greased baking dish, sprinkle with half the remaining cheese, then layer on the rest of the macaroni.
- 6. Top and bake: Sprinkle breadcrumbs and any leftover cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup / 200g
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg