Description
Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs and baked to perfection, this dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its creamy texture and delightful crunch, each bite evokes nostalgia and satisfaction. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite add-ins, this classic recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz 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 (for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and add shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Mix the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and top with mixed breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg