Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni; 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup butter, divided; 3/4 cup finely chopped onion; 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 4-1/2 cups 2% milk; 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 30 min.

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

With its rich cheese sauce and crunchy crumb topping, this has to be the best baked mac and cheese recipe out there. Serve it as a comforting weeknight dinner or a holiday side dish.

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4-1/2 cups 2% milk
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain.
In a Dutch oven, heat 1/3 cup butter over medium heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended; gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
In a microwave, melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 30-35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 688 calories, 37g fat (21g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.

Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson, Dover, Delaware

Recipe Creator