Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A comforting and nostalgic classic dish with a creamy cheesy interior and a buttery breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni The classic shape that catches sauce well.
For the Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter For the roux and the breadcrumb topping.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Thickens the sauce; cornstarch works if mixed with cold water.
- 3 cups whole milk Rich and creamy. Use 2% for a lighter option.
- 1 cup heavy cream Optional for a silkier sauce.
- 3 cups sharp cheddar, grated Sharp gives classic tang.
- 1 cup mild cheddar or Colby, grated For meltability.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Brightens flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated A whisper of warmth.
- Salt and black pepper To taste.
For the Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use panko for extra crunch.
Optional Mix-ins
- cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or steamed broccoli To enhance the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until very al dente—about 1 minute less than the package recommends. Drain and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it smells toasty and turns a pale golden.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, smoothing out any lumps. Continue to whisk as the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheeses a handful at a time until fully melted and glossy. Add the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Combining and Baking
- Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is coated.
- Pour the macaroni into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For flavor variations, try adding cooked bacon or herbs. For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for some cream.