Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic baked macaroni and cheese recipe. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a deliciously gooey and golden brown mac and cheese that will impress everyone at your table. It is a surefire crowd-pleaser and a timeless favorite that will never go out of style. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make the best baked macaroni and cheese you've ever tasted!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
6. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until well coated. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let the baked macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

Interesting Facts