Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Name: Baked Macaroni And Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups fresh bread crumbs; 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dry mustard, dissolved in 1 teaspoon water; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 1/2 cups whole milk; 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 pound Colby cheese, shredded (4 cups); 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups); Salt; Black pepper, to taste

Servings: persons

8 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups fresh bread crumbs
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dry mustard, dissolved in 1 teaspoon water
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 pound Colby cheese, shredded (4 cups)
8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
Salt
Black pepper, to taste

1
Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400 degrees.
2
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with bread crumbs. Set aside.
3
Bring four quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and macaroni; cook until almost tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
4
Wipe the pot dry, add the remaining six tablespoons butter and melt over medium heat.
5
Stir in garlic, mustard and cayenne. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6
Stir in flour and cook until golden, about 1 minute.
7
Slowly whisk in milk and broth. Add nutmeg. Bring to a simmer. Cook, whisking often, until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 6 minutes.
8
Remove from heat, whisk in cheeses until completely melted.
9
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir macaroni until well combined.
10
Pour into a 9-by-13 baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with bread crumbs. Bake until golden brown and bubbling around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes.
11
Bread Crumbs
12
To make bread crumbs, use good quality white bread. Tear pieces of bread into quarters and pulse in food processor 8 or 9 times for coarse crumbs. One slice yields about 1 cup.

1273

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cups fresh bread crumbs, 1 pound elbow macaroni, 1 clove garlic, minced, and more.

Yes, Baked Macaroni And Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions