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–+ servings

Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese is creamy, comforting, and loaded with Cheddar cheese and a crunchy cracker topping for an easy, pleasing family meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers such as Ritz
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded Cheddar until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  6. Sprinkle crushed crackers evenly over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the sauce bubbles.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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