Description
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta for a heartwarming meal. This recipe brings together sharp cheddar cheese and elbow macaroni, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer for added texture. It’s quick to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat; stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg