This baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender pasta with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be customized with different cheeses or add-ins like bacon or vegetables to suit your taste.
Overview of Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This dish is a timeless favorite that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
With its creamy cheese sauce enveloping tender pasta, it’s a delightful treat for both children and adults alike.
The golden breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, making each bite a perfect balance of textures.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The foundation of this macaroni and cheese is a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, which creates a rich, velvety sauce.
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, providing the ideal shape to hold onto the cheesy goodness.
A few simple seasonings like mustard powder and garlic powder elevate the flavor, ensuring every forkful is packed with taste.
The Cooking Process
Preparing this dish is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Start by cooking the macaroni until it’s just al dente, ensuring it retains a slight bite.
Next, the cheese sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop, where butter and flour form a roux before the milk and cheeses are added.
Perfecting the Topping
The breadcrumb topping is what truly sets this dish apart.
Mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter creates a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Sprinkling this mixture evenly over the macaroni before baking ensures a consistent crunch across the entire dish.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy baked macaroni and cheese is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Serve it in rustic ceramic bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Customization Options
This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit individual tastes.
Consider adding cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or even different types of cheese to create a unique version.
Experimenting with flavors can turn this classic comfort food into a personalized favorite.
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This macaroni and cheese features elbow pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce made from a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, baked until bubbly and golden. The dish takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until melted.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing until well coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy baked macaroni and cheese!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 36g