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Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 130 reviews

This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy homemade comfort food classic with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Simple ingredients including macaroni, sharp Cheddar cheese, and a homemade cheese sauce come together quickly on the stovetop before finishing in the oven for a golden, bubbly crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cup)

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces
  • 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and return them to the pot used for cooking.
  3. Mix Milk and Flour: While the macaroni cooks, combine 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup of flour in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until completely mixed and smooth.
  4. Add Milk Mixture: Shake the milk mixture one more time to ensure it’s well blended, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
  5. Cook Cheese Sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and just reaches a simmer. Be careful not to overcook; remove immediately from heat once thickened.
  6. Stir in Butter and Cheese: Add the 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until melted and well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  7. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese on top. Then, sprinkle 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
  8. Add Cooking Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the breadcrumb topping with cooking spray to help it brown and crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Notes

  • Use whole milk or 2% milk for creamier sauce.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the cheese sauce.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Watch the sauce closely as it thickens to prevent it from burning or curdling.
  • This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, baked pasta dish, comfort food recipe

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/easy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/