Description
This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy sauce with tender elbow macaroni and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting classic perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
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
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, around 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warm whole milk to the roux. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella (or Colby Jack) cheeses until melted and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder to flavor the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni thoroughly into the cheese sauce to coat all the pasta evenly. Then pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping and Bake: Toss 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
- For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- To add extra flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed onions before baking.
- Make sure to warm the milk before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, comfort food, macaroni and cheese recipe, baked pasta, cheesy pasta bake
