Classic Macaroni Cheese Bake
A comforting, golden-crusted macaroni cheese that combines a silky, sharp cheddar sauce with perfectly al dente pasta.
Ingredients
- •12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
- •1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter
- •1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- •3 cups (720ml) whole milk
- •3 cups (300g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- •1/2 cup (50g) parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •1/4 teaspoon ground mustard powder
- •1/4 cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate for al dente; drain and set aside.
- 3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- 4
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 5
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 2 cups of the cheddar cheese, the parmesan, salt, pepper, and mustard powder until smooth.
- 6
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- 7
Top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese and the panko breadcrumbs.
- 8
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
💡 Chef tips
- For the best texture, always grate your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags, which contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- You can assemble this dish ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator; just add 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished bake should have a bubbling, golden-brown crust with a rich, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta, offering a savory and deeply satisfying flavor.