PREP TIME: 20 MINS | COOK TIME: 20 MINS | TOTAL TIME: 40 MINS | SERVINGS: 10
Make this delicious Baked Mac and Cheese from scratch using only a few simple ingredients. This creamy with tender noodles, luscious sauce topped with breadcrumbs is ready in less than an hour. Another one of my favourite classic recipes, simple, and the best homemade dinner perfect for even the busiest days!
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese:
2 1/2 c. large elbow macaroni
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon flour
2 c. whole milk
2 12-oz. cans evaporated milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 c. mild cheddar cheese shredded (freshly grated if possible)
2 1/2 c. white sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Topping:
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 c. herb panko bread crumbs
How to make Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees. And using a nonstick spray, grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
Step 2: Following the package directions, cook the macaroni in a large 5-quart pot a minute or two under. When done, drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil. To keep the pasta from drying out, toss it, then set it aside.
Step 3: Melt the butter in the same pot where you cooked the pasta over medium-low heat. Add the flour to the pot once the butter has melted and constantly whisk for about a minute to make sure not to burn the flour. Pour in 2 cups of whole milk and keep stirring for a minute more until the lumps are gone and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: To the pot, add 2 cans of evaporated milk, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook over medium-high heat, whisking for another 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture is smooth and begins to boil and thicken.
Step 5: In a large bowl, mix the cheeses.
Step 6: Into the pot, add in 4 cups of cheese. Stir until melted. Take the pot off the heat, then stir in the cooked macaroni shells.
Step 7: Into the prepared baking dish, pour the mixture and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.
Step 8: Combine the Panko bread crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl until well mixed. Sprinkle this on top of the macaroni and cheese. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the mac& cheese is golden brown on top.
Step 9: Remove from the oven when done and serve hot. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 847mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 927IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 485mg | Iron: 1mg