Description
Comfort classics reach new heights with good old fashion mac and cheese, a creamy culinary embrace that promises pure nostalgia. Perfectly melted cheeses and golden breadcrumbs create a hearty dish you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz macaroni pasta
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside while preparing the cheese sauce.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the creamy sauce.
- Whisk flour into the melted butter, creating a golden roux that will thicken the sauce and provide a rich, velvety texture.
- Gradually pour milk into the roux, continuously whisking to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth, silky sauce.
- Remove sauce from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
- Temper eggs by slowly adding a small amount of hot cheese sauce while whisking, then blend the egg mixture back into the sauce to prevent curdling.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper, stirring to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta shell is generously coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a small bowl to create a crispy, golden topping.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese, covering the surface completely.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce set and makes cutting easier.
Notes
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for celiac-friendly version.
- Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter, healthier mac and cheese without sacrificing creamy texture.
- Consider adding roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-pan meal.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations such as gruyère, fontina, or sharp white cheddar to elevate classic flavor profile and add complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 582
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 92 mg