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A golden dish of baked mac and cheese with a crispy topping

How to grow your best Mac and Cheese

This recipe guides you through creating a delicious homemade macaroni and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal. Follow these simple steps for a rich and creamy dish that will satisfy your cravings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Elbow macaroni
  • 0.5 cup Butter
  • 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
  • 5 cups Milk
  • 4 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Toppings
  • 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 teaspoon Paprika

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain it and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.
  2. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  3. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs and paprika evenly over the top.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serving
  1. Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra sharp flavor, use a mix of sharp cheddar and a little extra-sharp cheddar. If you prefer a smoother sauce, ensure your milk is warm before adding it to the roux to prevent lumps.