Description
This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy comfort dish baked to golden perfection. With a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and mozzarella, topped with buttery breadcrumbs, this classic favorite is perfect for a family meal or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella or Colby Jack (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to create a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Create cheese sauce: Slowly whisk the warm whole milk into the roux. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Assemble and add topping: Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
- Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to the sauce for extra flavor.
- For a crispier topping, broil for the last 1-2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, macaroni and cheese casserole
