Description
Delicious Baked Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food recipe that combines a rich, creamy cheese sauce with a golden, bubbly topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Gradually add the cheddar and Gruyere cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Pour the cheesy mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Make sure the cheese sauce is smooth before adding the macaroni.
- For a crispier topping, broil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Mac, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Classic Recipe