Description
This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, cheesy comfort food classic with a smooth homemade cheese sauce featuring a blend of medium and extra sharp cheddar cheeses. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it serves as a satisfying side dish or main course for family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 1/2 cups 2% milk
- 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux and sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, white pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper until the mixture is smooth and combined. Gradually whisk in the 2% milk in increments of 1/2 cup, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more.
- Add cheeses and combine: Stir in the medium cheddar cheese and half of the extra sharp cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Then fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining extra sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Notes
- For a crispier top, broil the macaroni and cheese for 2-3 minutes after baking—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute whole milk for richer flavor or low-fat milk for a lighter dish.
- Customize by adding cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or breadcrumbs on top for additional texture and taste.
