Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this company-worthy mac and cheese recipe! Creamy elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich cheddar sauce, topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb layer. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dish will surely impress every guest at your table. With its customizable options and delectable flavors, every bite is a nostalgic embrace that leaves everyone craving more.
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 breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Create the Cheese Sauce Base: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, cooking for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add Milk Gradually: Whisk in milk slowly while stirring continuously. Cook until thickened and bubbly (about 5-7 minutes).
- Melt in Cheddar Cheese: Reduce heat to low; stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Gently fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Add Breadcrumbs Topping: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly on top.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg