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Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch

Side Dish 🥗Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 American High-Protein 💪Vegetarian 🥦Kosher ✡️Comfort-FoodPescatarian 🐟

Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch features tender elbows coated in a rich cheddar-Parmesan sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and ultra-comforting. A buttery breadcrumb crust bakes to a golden crunch, adding texture to every bite. Serve it for cozy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holidays when you want a nostalgic side that can easily stand in as the main event.

  • Prep10 mins
  • Cook45 mins
  • Serves4
  • DifficultyEasy
Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch
  1. 1

    Gather all the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium skillet over low heat; whisk in the flour until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups milk; bring to a simmer.

  5. 5

    Stir in the Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses; season with salt and black pepper. Cook and stir over low heat until the cheeses are melted and the sauce has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes, adding up to 1/2 cup more milk if needed.

  6. 6

    Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni; stir until well combined.

  7. 7

    Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs; cook and stir until well coated and browned.

  8. 8

    Spread the bread crumbs over the macaroni and cheese; sprinkle with paprika.

  9. 9

    Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is gooey and bubbling, about 30 minutes.