Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
Classic Baked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. This comforting dish features elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for added texture. It’s easy to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike. Serve it as a main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or salads for a delicious meal!
Preparation Time:
60 min
Difficulty:
Novice
Ingredients:
- 200g of elbow macaroni
- 50g of butter
- 50g of all-purpose flour
- 500ml of milk
- 200g of cheddar cheese, grated
- 100g of mozzarella cheese, grated
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 50g of breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp of paprika (optional)
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Oven
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Reduce the heat to low and add in the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and stir well until all the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Macros:
- Total Calories: 670kcal
- Carbs: 75g
- Proteins: 25g
- Fats: 30g