Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. This creamy, cheesy dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich béchamel sauce, topped with a crunchy panko layer that adds delightful texture. With every bite, you’ll experience nostalgia and warmth, making it a must-have recipe for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crispy bacon or sautéed veggies (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Lower heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, mixing well. Add any optional ingredients if desired.
- Transfer to the greased baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg