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–+ servings
Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese for Cozy Family Nights

This creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings family together.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons butter or margarine for dairy-free
  • 4 tablespoons flour can use gluten-free alternatives
  • 3 cups milk whole milk is best
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese can mix with Monterey Jack or Gruyère
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
For the Topping
  • 1 cup bread crumbs can use panko or gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Roux: In a pot, melt butter over medium heat, stir in flour to form a roux for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk to the roux, cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted.
  4. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until well-coated.
  5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour mac and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and level with a spatula.
  7. Prepare the Topping: Mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan in a bowl, and sprinkle over the pasta.
  8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 350mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality cheese and consider adding stir-ins like broccoli or bacon for extra flavor.

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