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Judy John

Beginner Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

This beginner mac and cheese bake combines creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and crispy topping for easy comfort food.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Course: Dinner, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 4 cups elbow macaroni cooked
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk warm
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven
  • Saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • Freezer
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven and lightly grease baking dish while pasta finishes cooking until tender completely.
  2. Melt butter inside saucepan then whisk flour until smooth paste forms without dry spots.
  3. Slowly pour warm milk into saucepan while whisking constantly for creamy smooth sauce texture.
  4. Stir cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper into sauce until melted and glossy beautifully everywhere.
  5. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until pasta coats evenly with creamy richness completely.
  6. Spread macaroni mixture into baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs with parmesan across top evenly.
  7. Bake until bubbling edges appear and topping turns crisp golden brown during cooking beautifully.
  8. Cool slightly before serving creamy cheesy scoops with crunchy topping and comforting flavor together.

Notes

Bake slightly less for creamier softer texture or longer for crispier golden topping with firmer edges. Freeze cooled portions individually inside airtight containers for easier dinners later. Stir pasta gently during assembly to prevent breaking noodles. Add bacon, broccoli, jalapeños, or smoked paprika for flavor customization. Store leftovers refrigerated up to four days.