Imagine diving into a creamy, golden-topped mac and cheese casserole that's so delicious, it'll transport you straight to comfort food heaven! This easy-to-make recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines the classic cheesy goodness we all love with a crispy breadcrumb topping that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a cheese enthusiast, this mac n cheese casserole is about to become your new go-to dish that promises to satisfy every craving and bring smiles to the dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the milk to create a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the milk and butter mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese to create a crispy golden topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a delicious main dish or side, garnished with additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right cheese: While cheddar is classic, experiment with a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for extra flavor depth.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven and can become mushy if overcooked.
- Ensure smooth cheese sauce: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent lumping and achieve a silky, creamy texture.
- Breadcrumb pro tip: For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling on top.
- Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
- Make ahead friendly: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
