Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked mac and cheese. Featuring a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and a crispy breadcrumb topping, each bite is a warm hug on chilly days. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- 1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- 2. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- 3. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
- 4. Combine: Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce until fully coated. Optionally mix in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables.
- 5. Create Topping: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle panko on top, then drizzle with melted butter.
- 6. Bake: Cook for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg