Description
Indulgent “Creamy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake” delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising rich cheese-laden goodness. Layers of melted cheddar and tender pasta invite warm memories while satisfying hearty cravings you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 16-ounce package elbow macaroni
- 4 cups milk
Seasoning and Thickeners:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- Pepper, to taste
Topping:
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Heat the oven to a precise 325°F, creating the ideal environment for a perfectly baked pasta dish.
- Submerge elbow macaroni in rapidly boiling water, cooking until it reaches a tender al dente consistency, then drain thoroughly.
- Craft a velvety cheese foundation by melting butter in a spacious saucepan. Introduce flour and whisk diligently, transforming the mixture into a golden roux. Season with garlic salt and pepper, infusing depth of flavor. Slowly stream milk while continuously stirring, preventing any potential lumps from forming.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, developing a luxurious texture that coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat once the desired consistency is achieved.
- Transfer the cooked pasta into a generously greased baking dish, creating a welcoming base for the cheesy transformation. Lavishly scatter shredded cheddar across the pasta, then cascade the silky cheese sauce over the top. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring every pasta piece becomes gloriously coated.
- Create a crisp, golden topping by melting butter in a skillet. Introduce panko breadcrumbs, stirring continuously until they transform into a beautiful golden-brown crust that promises delightful crunch.
- Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs across the mac and cheese, adding a textural contrast to the creamy base. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the surface bubbles with excitement and develops a tempting golden hue.
Notes
- Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to maximize the rich, tangy flavor profile of this comforting pasta dish.
- Allow the pasta to cook just under al dente, as it will continue cooking during the baking process to prevent mushy texture.
- Whisk the cheese sauce continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency that coats the pasta evenly.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful crunch and texture contrast.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, helping create a creamier and more consistent cheese sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce overall calories.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg