Description
Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with al dente pasta and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy it plain, or customize it with your favorite add-ins like crispy bacon or sautéed vegetables for a personalized touch. Whether served as a main dish or alongside your favorite sides, this Mac and Cheese will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well-coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with panko bread crumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg