Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. Picture al dente elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and mozzarella, all topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. This classic dish is not only perfect for family dinners but also works wonderfully at potlucks or cozy nights in. With its gooey texture and satisfying crunch, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginner cooks to master, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to create a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour for about a minute.
- Gradually add milk while whisking until the mixture thickens (4-5 minutes).
- Stir in mustard powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; mix well.
- Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella; stir until fully melted.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni ensuring even coating.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish; mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg