Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese features a creamy sauce and a crunchy top, made simply with pantry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with panko bread crumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or an extra 1/4 cup of milk. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
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
Find it online: https://voxrecipes.com/mac-and-cheese/