Description
This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy sauce with tender elbow macaroni topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting classic that is simple to make and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 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 cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Cook 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 macaroni and set it aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the warm whole milk. Continue stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella (or Colby Jack) cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder, mixing well.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni evenly into the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter until coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.
Notes
- Using warm milk helps prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
- Breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch but you can omit it for a softer top.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it firm once baked.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake
