Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese is melt-in-your-mouth good!

Why resort to boxed macaroni and cheese when homemade is not at all difficult to make?  This recipe for Baked Macaroni and Cheese is so good and is always a crowd pleaser in my home.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese - Why eat boxed macaroni and cheese when you can easily make it homemade? This dish is melt-in-your-mouth delicious! virginiasweetpea.com #macaroniandcheese #macandcheese

Print the Recipe!

 

Yield: 6-8

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese - Why eat boxed mac and cheese when you can easily make it homemade style? virginiasweetpea.com

This classic macaroni and cheese is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°. Microwave milk at HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.
  • Whisk in salt, black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and, if desired, red pepper until smooth; stir in pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish; top with remaining cheese. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  • Notes:
  • I usually double this recipe. If you double it, you'll need to bake it for 25 minutes.
  • I've made this successfully with skim milk and Cabot 50% light cheese.

  • Baked Macaroni and Cheese

    Hands-On Time: 22 min.; Total Time: 47 min. Whisk warm milk into the flour mixture to ensure a lump-free sauce. Be sure to shred your own cheese for a creamier texture. I like Cracker Barrel Extra-Sharp Cheddar.

    2 cups milk
    2 tablespoons butter
    2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    1 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
    1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
    1/2 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked

    1. WHISK FLOUR INTO BUTTER

    Preheat oven to 400°. Microwave milk at HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.

    2. WHISK IN WARM MILK

    Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.

    3. WHISK IN CHEESE

    Whisk in salt, black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and, if desired, red pepper until smooth; stir in pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish; top with remaining cheese. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

    Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings

    My Notes:

    ~I doubled the recipe because if I’m going to all that work, I want enough for several meals.  Doubling the recipe worked fine.

    ~I used skim milk and Cabot 50% Light Cheddar Cheese.

    ~The sauce took about ten minutes to thicken instead of five.  This could be because I doubled the recipe.

    ~I had to bake mine for 25 minutes instead of 20 minutes.

    Making the Macaroni and Cheese

    Whisk the flour into the melted butter:

    IMG_0532
    Gradually whisk in the warmed milk.

    IMG_0534

    While the sauce is thickening and the macaroni is cooking, shred your cheese.

    IMG_0536

    Keep on whisking – add the salt, pepper, and red pepper.

    IMG_0537

    Stir in the cheese.

    IMG_0538

    Drain the pasta and then add it to the sauce.

    IMG_0540

    Pour into a greased casserole dish.

    IMG_0541

    Top with the remaining cheese.

    IMG_0546

    The Final Product

    Now it’s eating time!  Look at that yummy crust!

    IMG_0550

    Mmmm!!

    IMG_0553

    Comfort food – no doubt about it!

    IMG_0554

    This recipe is a keeper.  It is simple and delicious!

    Baked Macaroni and Cheese - Why eat boxed mac and cheese when you can make it homemade? This cheesy dish is melt-in-your-mouth delicious! virginiasweetpea.com #macaroniandcheese #macandcheese

     

    12 Comments

    1. looks mighty tasty! We love mac and cheese around here, but limit ourselves to enjoy this dish on special occasions … otherwise we’d eat it all the time!

    2. ~Yummy! This mac and cheese looks sinfully delicious Paula!

      Everything in moderation right. I can have just a taste please.

      ~Blessings & Happy Fall! ~Melissa

    3. Yum – that looks fabulous!!! I agree that yours looks better than the SL picture! Thanks for sharing!

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