Description
Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that transforms any Thanksgiving gathering into a cozy feast. This creamy dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs for a delightful golden crust. Easy to prepare and perfect for making ahead, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite, ensuring everyone comes back for seconds. Enjoy the warmth and flavor as you gather around the table this holiday season!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in mustard powder and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheddar cheese until melted. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into the greased baking dish.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg