Description
Classic Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Creamy cheddar, golden breadcrumbs, and perfectly al dente pasta create a nostalgic dish you’ll crave with every comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (453 grams) elbow macaroni
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating.
- Prepare macaroni according to package guidelines, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Create a roux by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Pour milk gradually into the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Incorporate cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Season the cheese sauce with paprika, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter to create a crispy topping, then sprinkle generously over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the sauce set and flavors meld.
Notes
- Select high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor profile and creamy texture.
- Use whole milk or half-and-half instead of low-fat milk to achieve a richer, more indulgent mac and cheese.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for an unexpected depth of flavor that elevates the classic dish.
- Try gluten-free pasta and alternative flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or creaminess.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg