There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy bowl of macaroni and cheese to bring comfort on a chilly evening. This baked macaroni and cheese is rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, making it a family favorite that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or the star of the meal, it’s sure to satisfy those cheesy cravings.
Imagine digging into a dish with gooey cheese that stretches with every bite, complemented by crispy breadcrumbs on top. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious cheesy delight that feels indulgent yet is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight.
Get ready to impress your family with this classic comfort food that combines tender pasta with a luscious cheese sauce, baked to perfection. It’s a timeless dish that never goes out of style, perfect for both kids and adults alike.
The Comfort of Creamy Goodness
There’s something heartwarming about a bowl of baked macaroni and cheese.
Its creamy texture and rich flavors bring a sense of nostalgia.
Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this dish warms both the stomach and soul.
Perfectly Cooked Pasta
The foundation of any great macaroni and cheese lies in the pasta.
Elbow macaroni, with its small, curved shape, captures the cheese sauce beautifully.
When cooked al dente, it provides just the right bite, ensuring each serving is satisfying.
A Velvety Cheese Sauce
Crafting the cheese sauce is where the magic happens.
Melted butter and flour create a roux, which serves as the base for the silky smooth sauce.
By gradually whisking in milk and incorporating sharp cheddar and mozzarella, you achieve a flavor profile that is both creamy and tangy.
A Crispy Top Layer
The finishing touch to this dish is the breadcrumb topping.
Mixed with melted butter, the breadcrumbs create a delicious crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath.
As it bakes, the topping transforms into a golden, crispy layer that invites you to dig in.
Serving Suggestions
Baked macaroni and cheese shines brightly as a standalone dish.
Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.
It also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or roasted chicken, making it versatile for any meal.
Nutrition and Portioning
This comforting dish yields about four servings, making it perfect for family meals.
With generous portions, each serving offers a satisfying combination of calories, fats, and proteins, ensuring it’s filling.
Enjoying this dish occasionally allows you to savor its rich flavors while maintaining balance in your diet.
The Ultimate Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This baked macaroni and cheese features al dente pasta enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. The taste is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy, and slightly nutty flavors that make each bite a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing until well coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade mac and cheese!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g