Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked Macaroni and Cheese is melt-in-your-mouth good!
Why resort to boxed macaroni and cheese when homemade is not at all difficult to make? This recipe for Baked Macaroni and Cheese is so good and is always a crowd pleaser in my home.
Print the Recipe!
This classic macaroni and cheese is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
Instructions
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Hands-On Time: 22 min.; Total Time: 47 min. Whisk warm milk into the flour mixture to ensure a lump-free sauce. Be sure to shred your own cheese for a creamier texture. I like Cracker Barrel Extra-Sharp Cheddar.
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
1/2 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked
1. WHISK FLOUR INTO BUTTER
Preheat oven to 400°. Microwave milk at HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.
2. WHISK IN WARM MILK
Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.
3. WHISK IN CHEESE
Whisk in salt, black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and, if desired, red pepper until smooth; stir in pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish; top with remaining cheese. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
My Notes:
~I doubled the recipe because if I’m going to all that work, I want enough for several meals. Doubling the recipe worked fine.
~I used skim milk and Cabot 50% Light Cheddar Cheese.
~The sauce took about ten minutes to thicken instead of five. This could be because I doubled the recipe.
~I had to bake mine for 25 minutes instead of 20 minutes.
Making the Macaroni and Cheese
Whisk the flour into the melted butter:
Gradually whisk in the warmed milk.
While the sauce is thickening and the macaroni is cooking, shred your cheese.
Keep on whisking – add the salt, pepper, and red pepper.
Stir in the cheese.
Drain the pasta and then add it to the sauce.
Pour into a greased casserole dish.
Top with the remaining cheese.
The Final Product
Now it’s eating time! Look at that yummy crust!
Mmmm!!
Comfort food – no doubt about it!
This recipe is a keeper. It is simple and delicious!
looks mighty tasty! We love mac and cheese around here, but limit ourselves to enjoy this dish on special occasions … otherwise we’d eat it all the time!
Oh, wow! It’s not even 9 am and I am hankering for some macaroni and cheese. 😉
This looks delish! I’m printing it off and saving it! Looks like great comfort food for the HORRIBLE winter they are calling for here in Kansas. 🙁
Thanks for sharing!
Linds
http://www.passengerseatkindofgirl.com
Yum, Yum, Yum!!! Who doesn’t like mac and cheese? This recipe looks wonderful! Thanks!
YUMMY!!! YUM!!! I love comfort food and this one right up there. Geri
What are you trying to do, make me gain weight??? 🙂 This looks fabulous!
Ms Sweet Pea- Just want to stop by and tell ya I’m leaving blog land. I will continue to stalk you off & on!! See you again!!! QP-cyndy
~Yummy! This mac and cheese looks sinfully delicious Paula!
Everything in moderation right. I can have just a taste please.
~Blessings & Happy Fall! ~Melissa
Oh.my.goodness.
That’s all.
Yours looked even better than Southern Living’s!! Yum!!
Yum – that looks fabulous!!! I agree that yours looks better than the SL picture! Thanks for sharing!
OMG! So delish! You’ve inspired me to eat mac n cheese today!