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Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Elbow macaroni is cooked until just tender, then combined with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or cozy night in, this recipe is straightforward yet full of comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese 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

  1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the baking dish and oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. 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 to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Add milk to thicken sauce: Gradually whisk in the warm whole milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce, approximately 5 minutes.
  5. Incorporate cheeses and seasonings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella (or Colby Jack), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.
  7. Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  8. Assemble and bake: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

Notes

  • Use warm milk to prevent lumps when making the cheese sauce.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
  • Substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this gluten-free.
  • Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce.
  • Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, macaroni and cheese recipe

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Find it online: https://bitesbyolivia.com/easy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/