Indulge in creamy comfort with this delicious baked macaroni cheese recipe Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in Enjoy every bite
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces of elbow macaroni
2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons of butter
3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
2 cups of milk (whole milk is preferred)
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (for topping)
1 tablespoon of olive oil (for breadcrumbs, optional)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
Once the milk is warmed and beginning to thicken (about 5 minutes), stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth. Add the salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil (if using) and sprinkle them evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
