Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Mac and Cheese recipe! Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, this dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and whole milk. Topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, this baked delight is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. From adding crispy bacon bits to sautéed vegetables, the options are endless. In just 40 minutes, you can serve a nostalgic meal that warms the heart and pleases both kids and adults alike. This classic Mac and Cheese is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the whole milk while whisking continuously until thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well-coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg