:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/classic-baked-macaroni-and-cheese-3058166-hero-01-5c7d6dfc46e0fb0001d83d93.jpg)
The Spruce
A Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese is a fabulous dish to serve as a side or main dish. It's easy and begins with a made-from-scratch cheese sauce that takes very little time to prepare. The breadcrumb topping finishes it off perfectly and it's sure to be a new family favorite.
This dish is an excellent choice for any meal or occasion. Serve the macaroni and cheese as a side dish with fried chicken, burgers or hot dogs, barbecue, or a holiday dinner. On a busy night when you're in the mood for a lighter meal that will still fill you up, it's a perfect choice as well. Simply serve it with a side salad and bread and dinner is served!
To brown the bread crumbs a little more, turn the broiler on for a minute or two just before taking the casserole out of the oven. Just be sure to watch carefully for signs that the topping is getting too dark.
Ingredients
-
8 ounces elbow macaroni
-
4 tablespoons butter
-
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
-
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
-
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
-
1 cup milk
-
1 cup light cream (or half-and-half)
-
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
-
2 tablespoons melted butter
Steps to Make It
-
Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce -
Cook macaroni following package directions.
The Spruce -
Drain in a colander and rinse with hot water; set aside.
The Spruce -
Butter a 2-quart baking dish. Heat oven to 350 F.
The Spruce -
In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Stir flour into butter until smooth and bubbly.
The Spruce -
Stir in dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
The Spruce -
Gradually add milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
The Spruce -
Add cheese and continue to cook and stir until melted.
The Spruce -
Combine macaroni and sauce and turn it into prepared baking dish.
The Spruce -
In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with melted butter.
The Spruce -
Sprinkle casserole with buttered breadcrumbs and bake for about 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and topping is lightly browned.
The Spruce
Glass Bakeware Warning
Do not use glass bakeware when broiling or when a recipe calls to add liquid to a hot pan, as glass may explode. Even if it states oven-safe or heat resistant, tempered glass products can, and do, break occasionally.
Tips
- If you're short on time, you might like this easy, old-fashioned macaroni and cheese bake—there's no sauce to fuss with.
- Breadcrumbs can be made with just about any bread product. Use white bread, whole wheat, croissants, or soft pretzels.
Recipe Variations
- Use the pasta of your choice. Whole wheat elbow macaroni is a great alternative to regular macaroni. You can use mini penne, ditalini, or similar pasta shapes as well.
- Create a layer of bacon inside the casserole. Cook 4 or 5 strips of bacon and drain well, then crumble it. Pour half of the macaroni and cheese into the baking dish, sprinkle bacon on top, and then finish it with the rest of the macaroni and cheese and breadcrumb topping.
- Use a blend of cheeses or a substitute. Cheddar, American, and Colby cheeses make a nice combination. You can also replace the cheddar with shredded pepper jack cheese or taco-seasoned cheese.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
571 | Calories |
40g | Fat |
29g | Carbs |
25g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 571 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 40g | 51% |
Saturated Fat 23g | 115% |
Cholesterol 110mg | 37% |
Sodium 804mg | 35% |
Total Carbohydrate 29g | 11% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 5% |
Total Sugars 4g | |
Protein 25g | |
Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
Calcium 625mg | 48% |
Iron 2mg | 8% |
Potassium 179mg | 4% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
Recipe Tags: