🧀 Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy on the inside, golden and crispy on top — classic comfort food.
🛒 Ingredients (6–8 servings)
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk works best)
- 2½–3 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1–2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (this makes a roux).
- Slowly whisk in milk.
- Cook until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
3️⃣ Combine
Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce. Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
4️⃣ Add Topping
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly on top.
5️⃣ Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese (pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly).
- Don’t overbake — it can dry out.
- Add a pinch of mustard powder for deeper flavor.
If you’d like, I can give you:
- Extra creamy Southern-style version
- Baked mac and cheese with bacon
- A 3-cheese gourmet version
- A lighter or gluten-free option
