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Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and topped with a perfectly crisp golden breadcrumb crust. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, this classic dish offers a creamy-crispy contrast that delights both kids and adults. Perfect as a cozy weeknight meal or a hearty side for gatherings, it’s customizable with various cheeses, proteins, and veggies to suit any taste or dietary need.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (or milk and cream mixture)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. Drain and set aside; slightly undercooked pasta will finish baking perfectly.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a roux, and cook until golden. Gradually whisk in milk to avoid lumps and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta, mixing well to evenly coat every piece for maximum creaminess in every bite.
  4. Assemble and Add Topping: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a buttered baking dish, then sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan on top for a satisfying crunch.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top, signaling that perfect creamy and crispy harmony.

Notes

  • Use Sharp Cheddar: It melts well and delivers punchy, classic mac and cheese flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta helps avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Make a Proper Roux: Cooking flour and butter thoroughly prevents a grainy sauce texture.
  • Add Cheese Off Heat: This keeps the cheese velvety and prevents it from separating or clumping.
  • Go for a Crunchy Topping: Melting butter with breadcrumbs before sprinkling creates an irresistible golden crust.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Classic Macaroni and Cheese, Baked Pasta

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Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/baked-mac-and-cheese/