Description
Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese elevates comfort food to delightful new heights with this classic American dish. Gooey melted cheese and perfectly baked pasta invite you to savor each comforting, indulgent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
Topping and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a creamy baking vessel by lightly coating it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Heat water in a large pot and cook macaroni until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Whisk flour into melted butter, creating a golden roux that will thicken the cheese sauce.
- Slowly stream milk into the roux, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and create a silky smooth consistency.
- Gradually incorporate shredded cheese into the milk mixture, stirring until completely melted and uniform.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the rich cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the cheesy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to promote consistent heating.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top, creating a crispy golden-brown crust that adds textural contrast.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden and the edges bubble enthusiastically.
- Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Select high-quality sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
- Use whole milk or heavy cream instead of low-fat milk to create a richer, creamier texture.
- Prevent dry mac and cheese by covering the baking dish with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking to retain moisture.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 463 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg