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Homemade Mac and Cheese

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This homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food! With a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from scratch, paired with tender macaroni and a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping, this dish is indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni

¼ cup salted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 ½ cups milk (or more as needed)

2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons salted butter (for the topping)

½ cup dry bread crumbs

1 pinch ground paprika

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni for about 8 minutes until tender yet firm to the bite. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

While the pasta is cooking, melt ¼ cup of butter in a medium skillet over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups of milk, bringing it to a simmer. Stir in the Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking over low heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add more milk if it gets too thick.

Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine.

For the topping, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and cook, stirring until golden brown.

Spread the browned bread crumbs on top of the mac and cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

You can add protein like cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage for a heartier meal.

For a spicier twist, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Skip the breadcrumbs if you prefer a softer mac and cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/homemade-mac-and-cheese/