Mac and cheese is one of the most beloved comfort foods out there. It's creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. While it's easy to make a box of mac and cheese, nothing beats a homemade baked version. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make a traditional baked mac and cheese that's sure to please.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the macaroni
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the cheese sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until it's smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue to whisk until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the macaroni and cheese sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until it's evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake the mac and cheese
Transfer the mac and cheese to a large baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade baked mac and cheese!
Nutrition
This recipe makes 8 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
Calories: 516
Total fat: 25g
Saturated fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 74mg
Sodium: 460mg
Total carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 25g
Conclusion
Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. This homemade version is easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. Give it a try and see for yourself!