Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food dish that consists of macaroni pasta baked in a creamy cheese sauce. It is typically made by cooking macaroni pasta, making a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk and shredded cheese, and then combining the cooked pasta with the sauce.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Servings
4
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
25
minutesThe mixture is then baked in an oven until hot and bubbly, and sometimes breadcrumbs or additional cheese are added on top for a crispy crust. It is a popular dish in American cuisine and is often served as a side dish or main course.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
3 cups milk
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mac and cheese is hot and bubbly.