Description
Macaroni and Cheese is the quintessential comfort food, delivering a rich and creamy delight that warms the soul. This recipe combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, all topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. Whether it’s a family dinner, a cozy night in, or a potluck gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With its quick prep time and customizable flavors, you can easily make it your own by adding ingredients like crispy bacon or fresh vegetables. Embrace the cheesy goodness that brings joy to every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and simmer.
- Add shredded cheddar to the sauce, stirring until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For extra creaminess, mix different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella. Enhance flavor by adding garlic powder or paprika to the cheese sauce.