Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crispy on top—this classic comfort food is sure to be a hit! Serves 6.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus 1 extra tbsp for topping)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese (mix sharp cheddar + Monterey Jack, avoid pre-shredded for smooth sauce)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (secret ingredient to enhance cheese flavor)
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente (follow package instructions, minus 1 minute— it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking nonstop to avoid lumps. Cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until fully melted and smooth.
5. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a 9x9-inch baking dish.
6. For the crispy top: Mix panko breadcrumbs with the extra 1 tbsp melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before serving (this helps the sauce set!).

Pro Tips

• No lumps in sauce: Whisk quickly when adding milk to the roux, or use a low-speed mixer if lumps form.
• Cheese depth: Swap ¼ cup cheddar for Gruyère for a nutty, gourmet twist.
• Extra crunch: Broil the casserole for the last 1–2 minutes (watch closely! It burns fast) for an even crispier topping.
• Add-ins: Mix in cooked bacon, steamed broccoli, or diced roasted tomatoes to customize your dish.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole (skip baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time when ready to cook.

作者声明:本文包含人工智能生成内容。