Classic Baked Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
½ pound (1½ cups) uncooked elbow macaroni
02 -
3 tablespoons butter
03 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 -
½ teaspoon salt
05 -
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
06 -
1½ cups milk (any kind)
07 -
¾ cup half and half
08 -
2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 325°F and grease 8-inch square baking dish. Cook macaroni to al dente according to package instructions.
02 -
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Blend in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes. Gradually add milk and half and half, stirring until thickened like gravy (5-7 minutes).
03 -
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheese until just melted.
04 -
Combine sauce with cooked macaroni. Layer half in baking dish, sprinkle with ½ cup cheese, add remaining pasta and top with remaining cheese.
05 -
Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted on top.
# Notes:
01 -
Use high quality aged cheddar for better taste and texture
02 -
Fresh grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded
03 -
Bring cheese to room temperature before using
04 -
Can be made gluten-free using alternative pasta and flour