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A close-up of golden, baked mac and cheese with a crispy topping

How to grow your best Mac and Cheese in 10 stepsMac and Cheese

This recipe guides you through making a delicious mac and cheese from scratch, focusing on achieving a rich and creamy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. It's a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 16 ounces Elbow Macaroni
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 4 cups Whole Milk
  • 4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. Melt unsalted butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in whole milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated.
  2. Season with salt and black pepper, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serving
  1. Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

For an extra crispy topping, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking.