Description
This classic Mac and Cheese recipe features creamy cheddar cheese sauce combined with tender elbow macaroni, topped with crispy panko bread crumbs, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect as a main or side for family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente for about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside to use later in the recipe.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly into a creamy sauce, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and forms a smooth cheese sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter to the panko before sprinkling.
- Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor.
- Whole milk creates a creamy texture; you can substitute with 2% milk but the sauce may be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it slightly firm for baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food
