Description
This baked and creamy macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring elbow pasta in a velvety cheddar sauce, topped with golden melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday sides, this dish delivers rich flavor and crispy edges. Easy to prepare and even better reheated, it’s a nostalgic classic done right.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes.
3. Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking. Simmer until thickened.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese, ground mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
5. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated.
6. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
7. Top with additional cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
This dish can be assembled ahead and baked later.
Use freshly grated cheese for best melting results.
For extra texture, add crispy bacon bits or crushed crackers on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg