Baked Mac and Cheese
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.
Classic elbow macaroni baked in a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce topped with golden breadcrumbs.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
pasta
sauce
topping
seasoning
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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