Description
Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. This dish brings warmth and nostalgia, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a satisfying meal that leaves everyone wanting seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for about two minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until the sauce thickens (about five minutes).
- Remove from heat and mix in cheddar cheese until melted. Add mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce until coated.
- Pour into a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg