Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic That Brings Everyone To The Table

Nothing spells comfort quite like a bubbling dish of baked macaroni and cheese fresh out of the oven. It's warm, cheesy, and rich with nostalgia-whether you're remembering your mom's weekend special or a cozy holiday meal. This golden-topped classic isn't just a side dish; it's the kind of soul-soothing centerpiece that turns an ordinary dinner into something worth remembering.

With its creamy sauce, crispy crust, and crowd-pleasing charm, baked mac and cheese is that one dish everyone-from picky kids to hungry adults-can agree on. If you've never baked your mac before, now's the time to discover why this old-school comfort food remains an all-time favorite.

Ingredients Required

• ½ lb (227 g) dry elbow macaroni
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 3 Tbsp flour
• 1 Tbsp powdered mustard
• 3 cups milk
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp Tabasco pepper sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 standard egg
• 12 oz (340 g) sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1 tsp salt
• Fresh black pepper to taste

Topping:

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

• Oven
• Large pot
• Sauté pan
• Casserole dish (2-quart)
• Whisk

How To Prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente.
3. Melt the butter in a separate pot over medium heat.
4. Whisk in the flour and mustard, stirring for about five minutes until smooth.
5. Add milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
6. Temper in the egg by adding a small amount of hot mixture to it before combining.
7. Add three-quarters of the cheese to the mixture and stir until melted.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Fold in the cooked macaroni and pour into a casserole dish.
10. Top with the remaining cheese.
11. Melt butter in a sauté pan, add breadcrumbs, and toss to coat evenly.
12. Spoon breadcrumbs over the macaroni mixture.
13. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown on top.
14. Allow resting for ten minutes before serving.

Nutritional Values

This baked macaroni and cheese is sure to be a hit at your table. The combination of creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping makes it irresistible. Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones!