Baked Elbow Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar Sauce
Classic comfort food featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch with a butter-flour roux. The dish is baked until golden and bubbly on top, creating a satisfying contrast between the creamy interior and lightly crisp surface. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave nostalgic comfort food. This straightforward version focuses on quality ingredients and proper technique to achieve that perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce and properly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside
- 3
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat
- 4
Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute
- 5
Gradually whisk in milk and cook until mixture thickens and bubbles
- 6
Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted
- 7
Season with salt and pepper
- 8
Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and mix well
- 9
Pour mixture into baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly
Tips
Cook pasta slightly under al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb some sauce moisture.
Gradually add milk to the roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming in your cheese sauce.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and set before serving.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cold.
Serve hot as main dish with simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the roux cooking step to avoid raw flour taste in your sauce.
Add milk gradually while whisking to avoid lumpy cheese sauce.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
for gluten sensitivity
General Alternatives
different pasta shape
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble completely and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
What if my cheese sauce is lumpy?
Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer or use an immersion blender to smooth it out before combining with pasta.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.