How to Make the Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese
American · Easy · 45 min · 6 servings
This baked mac and cheese is the ultimate kid friendly recipe featuring a golden crispy topping over the creamiest cheese sauce imaginable. Parents love how easy it is to prepare ahead of time while kids go absolutely crazy for the gooey cheesy layers hidden beneath that perfect crunchy crust.
Why this recipe works
This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all purpose flour
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package directs so it stays firm when baked. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute then slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in 2 and a half cups of the shredded cheddar until fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Transfer
Mix the drained pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top followed by the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sharp cheddar cheese → mild cheddar or a combination of cheddar and gruyere for extra creaminess
- panko breadcrumbs → crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs work just as well for the topping
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the pasta before baking which results in mushy noodles after it comes out of the oven
- Not whisking the milk into the roux slowly enough which causes a lumpy cheese sauce
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 18g protein, 52g carbs, 22g fat, 2g fiber.
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