Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A timeless comfort food classic, this baked macaroni and cheese features a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from scratch. The dish is topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbly for a satisfying contrast of textures.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 55 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 511 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten, milk, mustard, and sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 250 gelbow macaroni
sauce
- 30 gunsalted butter
- 40 gyellow onion, finely chopped
- 30 gall-purpose flour
- 600 mlwhole milk
- 300 gsharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tspsalt
- 1 pinchblack pepper, ground
- 1 tspdijon mustard
topping
- 30 gpanko breadcrumbs
- 15 gunsalted butter, melted
Equipment
saucepan · cheese grater · large pot · colander · knife · whisk · baking dish
The method
Step by step
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
About 2 min
- 2
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Slightly undercooking the pasta will prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- 3
Drain the cooked macaroni well using a colander and set it aside.
About 1 min
- 4
While the pasta cooks, melt the sauce butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 5
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
About 4 min
- 6
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Cooking the flour for a minute removes its raw taste.
- 7
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Using warm milk can help the sauce come together more smoothly.
- 8
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
About 7 min
- 9
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, ground black pepper, and Dijon mustard.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Removing the sauce from the heat prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or separating when you add it.
- 10
Add the grated cheddar cheese in batches, stirring after each addition until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
About 2 min
- 11
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated.
About 1 min
- 12
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
About 1 min
- 13
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted topping butter and mix until the crumbs are well-coated.
About 1 min
- 14
Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
About 1 min
- 15
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
About 25 min
- 16
Let the baked macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
About 5 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 510.7kcal
- Protein
- 22.5g
- Carbs
- 44.3g
- Fat
- 26.8g
- Fibre
- 1.4g
- Sugar
- 6.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until hot.
More recipes
All recipessoup
Tomato Rasam
This comforting and flavorful South Indian soup features a tangy tomato base with aromatic spices. It's a light yet satisfying dish, perfect as an appetizer or alongside rice. The spices are tempered in ghee or oil for a rich, fragrant finish.
40 min 68 kcalmain course
Pescado Zarandeado
Pescado Zarandeado is a classic grilled fish dish from Nayarit, Mexico. A whole butterflied fish is marinated in a savory and slightly spicy sauce, then grilled over an open flame until tender and flaky. It's often served with warm tortillas and fresh salsa.
55 mindinner
Rapid Roast Beef
A simple, almost hands-off method for cooking a beef roast like top round or sirloin tip. The roast starts with a very high-heat sear in the oven, then finishes cooking gently in the residual heat, resulting in a tender and juicy result with minimal effort.
2 hr 30 min 628 kcalmain course
Csirke Paprikás
This classic Hungarian chicken paprikash features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with sweet paprika, onions, and sour cream. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for a hearty dinner.
1 hr 10 min 699 kcalmain course
Sweet And Sour Spareribs
These sweet and sour spareribs feature tender pork ribs coated in a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet glaze. This classic Chinese-American dish is perfect for a comforting family meal. The ribs are first blanched, then braised, and finally coated in a vibrant sauce.
1 hr 50 min 852 kcaldessert
Molasses Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy molasses oatmeal cookies are packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice with a satisfyingly soft texture. A classic cookie perfect for autumn and winter baking.
1 hr 5 min 473 kcalmain course
Classic Cheese Soufflé
This airy and elegant cheese soufflé is a delightful main course, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting meal. It features a rich béchamel base folded with egg yolks and stiffly beaten egg whites, creating a light, puffy texture.
55 min 300 kcal