Description
A classic homemade Mac and Cheese recipe featuring creamy cheddar cheese sauce combined with tender elbow macaroni and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection.
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 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens slightly into a creamy béchamel sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce thoroughly until all the pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a bold cheesy flavor; feel free to mix cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different twist.
- For a richer sauce, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or add a splash of cream.
- To add extra flavor, consider stirring in a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Ensure the pasta is drained well to avoid a watery cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, classic mac and cheese
