Description
This Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Made with simple ingredients and a homemade cheese sauce, it’s a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
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- 3 cups shell pasta, cooked al dente
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook pasta according to package directions, reducing cooking time by 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Transfer to an 11×7 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pasta: Cook pasta slightly under al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Sauce: Cook the sauce over medium heat and stir continuously to prevent scalding.
- Cheese: For a more intense cheese flavor, use extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
- Topping: If you prefer a more melted cheese topping, add the cheese and breadcrumbs 5 minutes before the end of the baking time.
- Skip Baking: For a stovetop mac and cheese, cook an extra ½ cup of pasta and omit the baking step. Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 400kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
