Easy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe | Delicious Homemade Comfort Food

Name: Easy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe | Delicious Homemade Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Pasta (cooked al dente); 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter; 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour; 2 cups Whole Milk (warmed); 3 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided (2 cups for sauce, 1 cup for topping)); 1/2 tsp Paprika; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)

Learn how to make the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious baked mac and cheese from scratch. This easy-to-follow recipe brings you classic comfort food with a golden, bubbly topping perfect for any meal.

#Mac and Cheese

#Comfort Food

#Baked Pasta

#Cheese Sauce

#Easy Recipe

#Family Meal

Cooked Macaroni Pasta

Recipe Information

20m

Prep Time

25m

Cook Time

45m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

American

Silent

Nutrition (per serving)

450

Calories

18g

Protein

40g

Carbs

25g

Fat

Creamy Cheese Sauce in Pan

Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni Pasta
(cooked al dente)
2 cups
Unsalted Butter
1 cup

All-Purpose Flour
1 cup
Whole Milk
(warmed)
2 cups
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
(divided (2 cups for sauce, 1 cup for topping))
3 cups
Paprika
1 tsp
Black Pepper
1 tsp

Salt
(or to taste)
1 tsp

Servings: 6

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Mac and Cheese Ready for Baking

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Cook macaroni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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10m
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Cook macaroni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
10m
Do not overcook the pasta, as it will bake further in the oven.
2
In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste (roux) forms.
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3m
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In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste (roux) forms.
3m
Cook out the raw flour taste by whisking for at least one minute.

3
Gradually whisk in warm whole milk, ensuring no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and starts to simmer, about 2-3 minutes.
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3m
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Gradually whisk in warm whole milk, ensuring no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and starts to simmer, about 2-3 minutes.
3m
Using warm milk prevents lumps and helps the sauce thicken faster.
4
Remove from heat. Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
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4m
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Remove from heat. Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
4m
Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy or oily.
5
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in the pot. Stir gently until all pasta is evenly coated.
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2m
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Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in the pot. Stir gently until all pasta is evenly coated.
2m
Ensure every piece of macaroni is covered for maximum flavor.

6
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
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25m
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Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
25m
For an extra crispy topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.