5.0 from 18 votes
Classic Macaroni and Cheese
Get ready for the best baked mac and cheese recipe! My Classic Macaroni and Cheese with 8 oz of pasta is cheesy perfection in every bite.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 423 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni cooked
- 10 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 dash cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of water according to the package directions. Drain it and set it aside until needed.
- Grate the cheese and set it aside as well.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Sprinkle in the flour, whisking until smooth. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, for one minute.
- While the butter and flour are cooking, microwave the milk on high for 1 ½ minutes. Gradually whisk the warm milk into the butter and flour mixture.
- Increase to medium heat, and cook the sauce while whisking for five minutes or until it becomes slightly thickened.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and 1 cup of the grated cheese. Mix well, and then add the well-drained cooked pasta. Stir to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased two-quart baking dish or casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- To Refrigerate: Keep it fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: May be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute your preferred gluten-free flour and pasta in the recipe.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1
Calories
423kcal
(21%)
Carbohydrates
35g
(12%)
Protein
20g
(40%)
Fat
23g
(35%)
Saturated Fat
14g
(70%)
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
68mg
(23%)
Sodium
558mg
(23%)
Potassium
243mg
(7%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
729IU
(15%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
443mg
(44%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 423
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 423kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 68mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 558mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 243mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 729IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 443mg | 44% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.