Description
A creamy and cheesy baked macaroni dish that is a comfort food favorite, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or diced tomatoes.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Adjust cheese types for different flavors, such as mozzarella or gouda.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese, comfort food, pasta dish