Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
The definition of comfort food, this baked macaroni and cheese recipe has a delicious, crispy topping. Perfect for Friday meals during Lent, or anytime you want an easy and filling meal. Makes a great side dish too!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese. For any Catholic kid growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, it was the go-to Friday night dinner. It’s also the definition of comfort food. I am ashamed to admit that when my kids were growing up, I didn’t make this. I know…I really owe them an apology! I made the blue box Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Both of my kids loved it, and it was something I knew they would always eat. Plus it was easy and fast. There were many nights when that little blue box saved my life!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
A few years ago, when I started cooking for my parents, my Dad asked me to make my Mom’s macaroni and cheese recipe. I took her recipe and combined it with one from a friend. This combination of recipes is what I make now. I added the fresh bread crumb topping, but it’s an optional step. It adds a lovely crunchy texture, and only takes an extra minute. When my mom made macaroni and cheese, she didn’t bake it. She served it straight from the stove top.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 oz. Elbow Macaroni
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/3 cup Flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- fresh bread crumbs and olive oil
Instructions
- Cook macaroni as directed on package. Drain.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- When melted, add flour, salt, pepper and mustard while whisking.
- Add milk and Worcestershire sauce whisking constantly.
- Bring to a full boil while still stirring.
- Lower heat and add cheese.
- Stir until cheese is completely melted.
- Stir in cooked macaroni. You want it to be a little soupy so you may not use all the macaroni.
- Pour into buttered casserole. Top with fresh bread crumbs.
- Drizzle with melted butter or olive oil.
- Bake at 375 degrees F about 30 min.
- It's done when the sides get bubbly and the top is light brown.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Tips
- During the season of Lent, this is a great Friday meal…although it’s not really much of a sacrifice because it’s so delicious. It is meat-less though, so it fits the bill.
- If you serve this baked macaroni and cheese as a main dish, it feeds 4 or 5. If you serve it as a side dish, it would feed between 6 and 8.
- I made this for my dad on Ash Wednesday, and he gave it a thumbs-up. That’s always a good feeling!
- If you like the macaroni and cheese from Chick-fil-A, this has a very similar taste. Of course, it’s not exact, but it’s close!
Other Sunday Supper Recipes:
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Easy Baked Spaghetti
- Rosemary Parmesan Chicken
- My Mom’s Pot Roast
- Hearty Potato Soup
- Chicken Pot Pies with Puff Pastry Crust
- Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Chicken Salad Fruit Plate
- Beef Barley Soup
- Chicken Noodle Soup
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