Description
Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made with elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, and a rich, velvety sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Stir constantly until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Can be made ahead of time.
- Adjust cheese type for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Baked Mac Cheese, Comfort Food, Pasta Dish