How To Make The Creamiest Baked Mac And Cheese

Learn the secret to making the creamiest baked macaroni and cheese with this simple recipe. It's the perfect comfort food regular weeknights or for any special occasion.

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Total Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, homemade macaroni and cheese

Servings: people

Calories: 430kcal

Author: Barbara

Ingredients

8 ounces Elbow Macaroni or Medium Shell Pasta
2 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/4 cup Butter or Margarine
1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 cups Milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 1 1/2 or 2 quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook pasta as directed on the package instructions. Cook to al dente. Drain well.
In the prepared baking dish, alternate cooked and drained pasta with half of the shredded cheese.
Melt butter in a saucepan or skillet over low heat.
Add flour, and stir until lightly browned.
To the flour, slowly add milk, whisking constantly.
Let the mixture come to a low boil for one minute while stirring. Mix in salt and pepper.
Add remaining cheese, and stir until melted into the sauce.
Pour sauce over the cooked pasta and cheese mixture.
Bake, uncovered, for 15 - 25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let the casserole sit for 5 - 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Notes

- Use your favorite type of pasta. My Mom used medium shells, and it's still my favorite way to eat it.
- Switch up the types of cheese. My Mom always used up a little bit of this and a little bit of that to use up what was already in the fridge.
- I prefer to grate my own cheese; however, pre-shredded cheese works too.
- Baked uncovered.
- Top with buttered breadcrumbs, if desired.

Nutrition