🧀 Baked Macaroni and Cheese
🛒 Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese (for stretchiness)
2 cups milk
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional, for flavor)
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
1 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente.
Drain and set aside. - Make the cheese sauce
In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute (this makes a roux).
Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
Cook until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy. - Combine
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
Mix until well coated. - Assemble
Pour into a greased baking dish.
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top (optional). - Bake
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
😍 Tips:
Add cooked chicken or minced beef for a heartier meal
Try mixing cheeses (like gouda or parmesan) for extra flavor
For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or a spoon of cream cheese