Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese 🧀

Creamy, rich, and utterly comforting homemade mac and cheese with a crispy golden breadcrumb topping. The ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food that's perfect for family dinners and potlucks!

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Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 29

Total Time: 48

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Bake, baked mac, baked mac and cheese, baking, cheesy casserole, comfort food, homemade mac and cheese

Servings: servings

Calories: 480kcal

Author: Tanya

Cost: 15$

Equipment

🥘 Large pot
🥣 Large mixing bowl
🧀 Cheese grater
🥄 Measuring cups
🥘 9x13 baking dish

Ingredients

🍝 1 pound elbow macaroni
🧈 1/2 cup butter
🌾 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
🥛 4 cups whole milk
🧀 4 cups shredded cheese blend
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🍞 1 cup breadcrumbs
🌿 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Cheese Blend:
🧀 2 cups sharp cheddar
🧀 1 cup gruyère
🧀 1 cup monterey jack

Instructions

Cook macaroni al dente
Make cheese sauce:
- Melt butter
- Add flour, make roux
- Slowly add milk
- Whisk until thick
Add cheese, seasonings
Mix with pasta
Transfer to baking dish
Top with breadcrumbs
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes

Notes

🌟 Grate cheese fresh
🌟 Don't overcook pasta
🌟 Use whole milk for creaminess
🌟 Let rest 10 minutes before serving

Storage Tips:
❄️ Refrigerate: 4-5 days
✅ Reheat in oven
🔥 Add splash of milk when reheating

Pro Tips:
🔑 Use room temp ingredients
🔑 Whisk continuously
🔑 Layer cheese for depth

Variations:
🥓 Add crispy bacon
🌶️ Jalapeño version
🥦 Mix in broccoli
🍖 Add pulled pork

Common Questions:
❓ Can freeze? Yes, before baking
❓ Gluten-free? Use GF flour, breadcrumbs

Perfect For:
🍽️ Family dinners
🎄 Holiday sides
👨‍👩‍👧 Potlucks

Serving Suggestions:
🥗 Green salad
🍗 Roasted chicken
🥦 Steamed vegetables

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 32g

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