Description
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting classic that brings cheesy goodness to your table in a snap. This creamy dish, topped with a golden, crispy crust, is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With a rich blend of sharp cheddar and elbow macaroni, each bite offers nostalgia and satisfaction. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this recipe promises to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente (6–8 minutes); drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce; season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg