Description
Creamy and indulgent, this mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for cozy nights in or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
- Swap sharp cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a different twist.
- To enhance texture, top with additional herbs or spices before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg