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Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 58 reviews

This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a comforting, creamy twist on a classic favorite. Cooked macaroni noodles are combined with a rich, cheesy sauce made from scratch, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a main dish or a hearty side, this recipe delivers deliciously melty cheddar cheese with a delightful crunchy topping in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Sauce

  • 8 oz. macaroni noodles (about 1 and 3/4 cups)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces
  • 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare it for baking the mac and cheese later.
  2. Cook macaroni: Boil the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
  3. Mix milk and flour: In a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup flour, and shake vigorously until well mixed.
  4. Add milk mixture to macaroni: Shake the milk and flour mixture once more to ensure it’s combined, then pour it into the pot with the drained macaroni.
  5. Cook sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously as the sauce thickens and starts to simmer. Remove immediately from heat once simmering.
  6. Finish cheese sauce: Stir in the butter and 2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Prepare for baking: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Next, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the cheese and lightly spray the top with cooking spray to help it brown.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs have turned a light golden brown.

Notes

  • Use sharp Cheddar cheese for a deeper, tangier flavor.
  • For a creamier sauce, use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream.
  • Keep stirring the sauce continuously to avoid lumps and burning.
  • You can substitute panko with regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a lighter crunch.
  • For a richer crust, toss panko with a little melted butter before sprinkling.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheddar mac and cheese, comfort food, baked pasta, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/easy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/