Description
A rich and creamy Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese featuring a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and mozzarella, baked to golden perfection. This classic comfort food dish has a perfect balance of creamy texture and cheesy flavor with an optional crispy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain.
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to make roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
- Transfer to greased baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting quality.
- Do not overcook pasta as it will continue cooking in oven.
- For extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup sour cream to cheese sauce.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg