Description
A comforting and creamy baked macaroni and cheese dish with a crispy topping that’s perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot and add the elbow macaroni. Cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the cheddar cheese and mix until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, substitute almond milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg