Description
Cheesy Baked Macaroni is a classic comfort food dish made with pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika; stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or vegetables to the macaroni before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be frozen; just reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg