Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
This creamy baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting and classic dish featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, cheesy béchamel sauce, baked to golden perfection with an optional crispy breadcrumb topping. Ideal for a cozy meal, it combines sharp cheddar with creamy milk and a touch of seasoning for a deeply satisfying flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
Breadcrumb Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Béchamel Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly golden and bubbling, but not browned.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. Add mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and optional Gruyère or mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix well to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top for a crispy crust.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk.
- You can experiment with cheeses—Gruyère adds nuttiness while mozzarella boosts creaminess.
- Make sure to cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly or increase the flour and butter proportion.
Keywords: baked macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, elbow macaroni recipe
