Best One Pot Cheese and Macaroni

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain.
3. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese until melted.
4. Mix macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 25 minutes.

Interesting Facts

• Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that's been around since the 18th century.
• The dish was popularized in the United States by Thomas Jefferson, who served it at a White House dinner in 1802.
• The dish is known by many different names in different countries, including macaroni pie in the UK, mac and cheese in Canada, and maccaroni cheese in Australia.