Description
This classic Mac and Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect as a main or side.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 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 the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a 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 one minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, creating a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with a blend of cheeses such as Gruyere or mozzarella for a different twist.
- Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce set.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, classic comfort food, baked mac and cheese, cheddar cheese, creamy pasta, easy dinner recipe
