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Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
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Classic Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy, luscious sharp cheddar cheese sauce, baked to a golden, crispy crust. This timeless dish delivers a warm and cheesy embrace perfect for cozy dinners, with simple pantry ingredients and endless customization options to satisfy every cheesy craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing all the cheesy goodness.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes silky smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in a large bowl, mixing thoroughly to ensure every noodle is coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
  4. Bake with Breadcrumb Topping: Transfer the cheesy pasta to a buttered baking dish. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and dot with small pieces of butter. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crusty.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
  • Whisk constantly while making the sauce to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
  • Butter the breadcrumbs to create a perfectly crisp and golden topping.
  • Let the baked mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving to set and enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, classic mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked pasta casserole, homemade mac and cheese, family favorite

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/classic-baked-mac-and-cheese/