Baked Homemade Macaroni and Chees
This baked homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Equipment
- 1 9x13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 lb cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, milk, and salt. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add the shredded Cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until fully melted.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup melted butter with the crushed crackers. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Include proteins like bacon or chicken or mix in vegetables like broccoli for variety.