
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, reserving about 1 cup for topping. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground mustard, if using.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, covering the entire surface.
If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer for added crunch and texture.
Bake the Macaroni and Cheese
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot as a comforting and indulgent side dish or main course.
Pro Tips:
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or evaporated milk to the cheese sauce.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan, to customize the flavor of your macaroni and cheese.
- For a crispy breadcrumb topping, toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling them over the cheese layer.
- Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set before serving.