Description
Classic Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite made with tender elbow macaroni and a rich homemade cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Customize with mix-ins like cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add 10 minutes to baking time if cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg