Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Classic Baked Macaroni Cheese! This creamy, cheesy delight is a timeless American favorite that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little love, you can create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Imagine pulling a bubbling, golden-brown casserole from the oven, the rich aroma filling your kitchen—can you resist? Dive into this recipe and discover how to make a macaroni and cheese that’s not just good, but utterly unforgettable!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted and bubbling, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Optional: For a crispy top, sprinkle additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs over the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side, garnished with fresh parsley or additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. This helps the pasta maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming mushy when baked.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is a classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Roux Mastery: Whisk the butter and flour together thoroughly to create a smooth roux. This step is crucial for a creamy sauce without lumps.
- Seasoning Savvy: Don’t skip the seasoning! The combination of salt, black pepper, and paprika elevates the flavor of the cheese sauce, so taste and adjust as needed.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crunchy texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or additional cheese on top before baking. You can even broil it for a minute at the end for an extra crispy finish.
- Resting Time: Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra black pepper for a pop of color and flavor when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
