Description
A comforting and creamy dish that brings nostalgia, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add your elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. As the butter melts, stir in the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
- Add milk: Gradually whisk the milk into the flour mixture. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate cheese: Once your mixture is thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is silky.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Take the drained macaroni and combine it with the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. This will give your dish a crispy texture when baked.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, bubbly top.
Notes
For a variety of flavors, try adding cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or different types of cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, cheese sauce, comfort food