Mac And Cheese Recipe
Creamy and cheesy macaroni baked to perfection.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Topping
Method
Preparing the Pasta
- 1
Cook the Elbow Macaroni
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- 2
- 3
Add Flour
Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
- 4
Stir in Milk
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Add Cheese and Seasoning
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combining and Baking
- 6
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir well until all pasta is coated with the sauce.
- 7
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the mixture is well combined.
- 8
Transfer to Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the mac and cheese.
- 9
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.