Description
This easy baked mac and cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a comforting meal ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste.
- Add the milk: Slowly whisk in the warm whole milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Make sure the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Incorporate cheese and seasonings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, mixing well.
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter until evenly combined.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the bake is bubbly.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, try adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Breadcrumb topping can be substituted with crushed crackers for a different texture.
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, family dinner
