Description
This comforting Christmas Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy cheddar cheese sauce with tender elbow macaroni, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. A festive twist on a classic favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat to serve as the base for the cheese sauce.
- Add Flour and Spices: Stir in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful roux.
- Whisk in Milk: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, continuing to cook and stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into a smooth cheese sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni thoroughly with the cheese sauce to evenly coat the pasta.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish and evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of cream or a dash of mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute some or all of the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for different flavors.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for a crispier topping or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Let the baked mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Make sure not to overcook the macaroni to avoid mushy texture after baking.
