Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Indulge in the creamy, rich flavors of this Baked Macaroni and Cheese, a nostalgic dish that warms the heart. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is endlessly customizable to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and mozzarella blend)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (for topping)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Optional spices (cayenne pepper, hot sauce, smoked paprika)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s a light golden color.
- Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in 3 cups of shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing until every piece is well coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Baked Macaroni And Cheese!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Feel free to add cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or diced tomatoes for a twist. You can prepare the macaroni and cheese a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.