Description
Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with tender elbow pasta to create a dish that warms the heart and delights the palate. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and customizable with your favorite add-ins. Celebrate Cheese Day with this deliciously rich Mac and Cheese that guarantees smiles with every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow pasta
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Cooked bacon or sautéed veggies
Instructions
- Cook the elbow pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually add milk while whisking continuously; allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, adding any optional ingredients if desired.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg