Baked Mac and Cheese
A comforting and nostalgic dish, Baked Mac and Cheese features creamy pasta enveloped in a delicious cheese sauce with a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow macaroni or any pasta you love Traditional choice is elbow macaroni.
- 4 tbsp Butter Adds richness to the cheese sauce.
- ¼ cup All-purpose flour Used as a thickener.
- 2 cups Milk Whole milk is ideal for rich flavor.
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar preferred; can mix with other cheeses.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crunch.
- to taste Salt & pepper Essential for enhancing flavors.
- 1 tsp Mustard powder Optional for a hint of tanginess.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, bringing it to a simmer and watch it thicken into a rich sauce.
- Stir in the shredded cheese a handful at a time until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat every piece.
- Pour the mac and cheese into the greased baking dish, and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For creative variations, consider adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli, mixing different cheeses, or enhancing flavors with herbs and spices.