Description
Baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy, cheesy sauce that envelops tender elbow pasta. This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or cozy family dinners, enhanced with a golden, crispy topping. Each bite delivers warmth and satisfaction, making it a memorable addition to any festive table. Simple to prepare and customizable with various cheeses or add-ins, this baked macaroni and cheese is sure to impress your guests and become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350?F (175?C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Mix in salt, pepper, and half of the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer to the baking dish; top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with remaining cheddar and Parmesan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg