The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole
Explore the world of divine taste with our delightful Mac and Cheese Casserole recipe. Learn the best tips and tricks to make this ultimate comfort food at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumb
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Cook macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain well.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to absorb all of the butter.
- Gradually whisk in milk, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is thick and smooth.
- Stir in cheese a little at a time until fully melted into the sauce.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large bowl, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but highly recommended for that delightful crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- For a creamier casserole, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream into the cheese sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the cheese sauce.