Indulge in the rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness of this homemade macaroni and cheese recipe. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this dish is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. The dish is baked to perfection, with a crispy golden crust on top and a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture inside. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a potluck, this mac and cheese recipe will surely be a hit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the cooked macaroni. Stir until the macaroni is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy the delicious, homemade macaroni and cheese as a main dish or as a side to your favorite meal.
Interesting Facts
Macaroni and cheese has been a popular dish in America since the 18th century.
Thomas Jefferson is often credited with popularizing macaroni and cheese in the United States, after encountering it in Italy.
The dish became especially popular during the Great Depression, as it was affordable and made use of easily available ingredients.
Macaroni and cheese is often considered a comfort food, as it provides warmth and nostalgia.