Description
A comforting and creamy baked mac and cheese that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it’s bubbly, making a roux.
- Whisk in the milk gradually, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Add salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl and mix until every noodle is coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy delight!
Notes
For extra creaminess, increase the milk slightly. You can also customize with different cheeses or add-ins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American