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Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe
Tanya

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 minutes
Cook Time 29 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni al dente
  2. Make cheese sauce:
  3. - Melt butter
  4. - Add flour, make roux
  5. - Slowly add milk
  6. - Whisk until thick
  7. Add cheese, seasonings
  8. Mix with pasta
  9. Transfer to baking dish
  10. Top with breadcrumbs
  11. 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
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