Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
Classic Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheeses with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. This dish offers a golden, crispy topping, making it a hit for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s no wonder why this classic recipe has been cherished for generations. Easy to prepare and customizable, you’ll want to make this mac and cheese again and again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- 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 bread crumbs
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce, mixing well.
- In a small bowl, mix panko crumbs with paprika, then sprinkle over the pasta mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Find it online: https://carmenrecipes.com/classic-baked-mac-and-cheese/