By Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | Easy Comfort Food is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | Easy Comfort Food captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | Easy Comfort Food becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
2 cups (480ml) whole milk
2 cups (240g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (30g) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs (for topping)
PREPARATION STEPS
Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat
Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux
Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps
Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well coated.
Bake the Mac and Cheese:
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
