Description
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting classic, old-fashioned mac and cheese is baked to perfection with a rich cheese sauce and tender pasta. This homemade version is simple yet indulgent, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder until smooth.
- Combine: Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping (Optional): Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, mix in ½ cup of heavy cream or an additional ½ cup of cheese.
- Try mixing cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Gouda for extra flavor.
- For a crispy topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, old-fashioned mac and cheese