Description
Classic baked macaroni and cheese recipe featuring elbow macaroni mixed with a rich, creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko bread crumbs for a perfect golden crust. This comforting dish is ideal for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, forming a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and fully melted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly until all pasta pieces are well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for more pronounced cheese flavor.
- For added richness, substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream.
- Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for extra depth.
- To make the topping extra crispy, you can toss panko bread crumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead; just bake before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, cheddar cheese recipe
