Homemade Mac and Cheese
Description
Homemade mac and cheese recipe made with macaroni in a decadent creamy cheese sauce topped with bread crumbs and baked until bubbling and delicious.
Ingredients
•
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
•
1/4 cup salted butter
•
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
•
2 1/2 cups milk, or more as needed
•
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
•
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
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salt and ground black pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons salted butter
•
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
•
1 pinch ground paprika
Directions
1
Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
3
Meanwhile, melt ¼ cup butter in a medium skillet over low heat; whisk in flour until mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
4
Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups milk; bring to a simmer.
5
Stir in Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses; season with salt and black pepper. Cook and stir over low heat until cheeses are melted and sauce has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes, adding up to ½ cup more milk if needed.
6
Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; stir until well combined.
7
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir until well coated and browned.
8
Spread bread crumbs over macaroni and cheese; sprinkle with paprika.
9
Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden brown and macaroni and cheese is gooey and bubbling, about 30 minutes.