Description
Grandma’s Beloved Baked Macaroni and Cheese brings pure comfort straight from her kitchen to your table. Creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in a crispy golden crust makes this classic recipe a family favorite that connects generations through pure deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) milk
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Topping:
- ½ cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Turn the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Boil the macaroni in salted water for 8-9 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain completely in a colander and set aside.
- Melt ½ cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle ½ cup flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 60 seconds to create a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour 3 cups milk into the roux, whisking steadily to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and season with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Add 4 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup Gruyere cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheeses melt completely and create a silky, smooth mixture.
- Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Mix ½ cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter until the crumbs are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle this mixture across the top of the macaroni.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become crispy and bubbling.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother cheese sauce that blends more easily.
- For extra creaminess, grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, fontina, or gouda to customize your flavor profile.
- Keep the breadcrumb topping crisp by adding it just before baking and watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg