Description
Classic homemade mac and cheese featuring creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce mixed with tender elbow macaroni, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown for a comforting and delicious meal.
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 elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste and cook off the flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, forming a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; alternatively, use 2% milk for a lighter version.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, homemade macaroni and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy mac and cheese
