Classic Homemade Mac and Cheese
This is my families FAVORITE baked Mac and Cheese recipe! Honestly its the best mac and cheese we've every had. Its super creamy with both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and comes out perfect every time! This family favorite is perfect for groups and always have people coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups grated cheese (sharp cheddar cheese & mozzarella cheese make a great blend)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder optional
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400F degrees. Grease a 9x13-inch baking casserole dish with butter.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to boil and cook the elbow pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat to start the mac and cheese roux. Add in the flour and whisk until a thick, smooth paste is formed. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, warm the milk in the microwave and then slowly whisk into the roux. Cook the sauce over medium heat until thickened, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir slowly while the sauce thickens and be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese one handful at a time. Stir in the salt and optional mustard powder after the cheese has fully melted.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl and pour the sauce over the pasta, stirring gently until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the pasta to the greased baking casserole dish and sprinkle the top with bread crumbs. Bake the pasta until bubbly and golden brown about 15-20 minutes. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories491kcalCarbohydrates55gProtein18gFat22gSaturated Fat13gCholesterol60mgSodium408mgPotassium273mgFiber2gSugar6gVitamin A673IUCalcium317mgIron1mg