Sure, here’s a simple baked macaroni and cheese recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works well, but you can also use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the macaroni is evenly coated.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for added crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked macaroni and cheese!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or chopped herbs for extra flavor. Enjoy!
