Homemade Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy, and customizable homemade mac and cheese recipe, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni Cook until al dente.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter For melting.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour To thicken the cheese sauce.
- 2 cups whole milk For a creamy texture.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Can substitute with other cheeses.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference.
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For a crunchy topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter; whisk in flour until bubbly.
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Combine cheese sauce with drained pasta; mix well.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheddar and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
For extra creaminess, mix in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream. Feel free to experiment with toppings like bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños.