Description
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crust, this baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort dish made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large pot, cook macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Add a pinch of mustard powder to deepen the flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg