Description
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese brings together creamy cheddar cheese and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni for the ultimate comfort food experience. This delightful dish evokes warm memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. With a golden crust and gooey interior, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or festive occasions. Dive into cheesy bliss with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, then cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until smooth, gradually adding the milk while stirring until thickened. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large bowl, ensuring every noodle is coated.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 20-25 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: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg