The Best Easy Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

April 29, 2023 Post a Comment

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Easy Baked Macaroni & Cheese Made To Be A Momma from www.madetobeamomma.com

Description

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. This easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. The best part is that it is so easy to make that even beginners can give it a try.

Prep Time

The prep time for this easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe is around 20 minutes.

Cook Time

The cook time for this easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe is around 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
9x13 inch baking dish

Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
Gradually add the milk to the flour and butter mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens, stirring frequently.
Remove the mixture from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the macaroni and cheese for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a extra creamy mac and cheese, add an extra 1/2 cup of milk to the cheese sauce mixture.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 463
Total Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Cholesterol: 58 mg
Sodium: 708 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 49 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 6 g
Protein: 19 g

Recipes FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. However, we recommend using elbow macaroni as it is the traditional pasta used in mac and cheese.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. However, we recommend using cheddar cheese as it is the traditional cheese used in mac and cheese.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and then bake it when you are ready to serve. To do this, simply prepare the recipe up until the point of baking. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you are ready to bake it, remove the plastic wrap and bake it in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it is heated through.

Recipe Tips

Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni until it is al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the texture of the mac and cheese.
When making the cheese sauce, make sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
If you want a crispy breadcrumb topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
You can add extra ingredients to the mac and cheese to make it your own. Some great additions include bacon, diced tomatoes, and green onions.