Description
Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every meal. This creamy, cheesy dish combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a rich cheddar cheese sauce, all topped with a crunchy panko breadcrumb layer for that delightful texture contrast. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this classic favorite that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition, making it a dish everyone will adore.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the whole milk while whisking continuously until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with panko bread crumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg