⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

🍽 Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 4 cups Milk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• pinch (optional) Nutmeg
• 4 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 pound Elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1/2 cup Bread crumbs

📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal later. Don't skip it!
2. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux. This is what thickens the cheese sauce, so don't rush this part!
3. Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk. Keep whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. It'll start to thicken nicely, and you'll see a noticeable difference in texture.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional). The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth, but feel free to omit it if you prefer.
5. Add 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. It might seem like a lot of cheese, but trust me, it's worth it! You might need to stir constantly to avoid any burnt cheese at the bottom.
6. Stir in 1 pound of cooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in the cheese sauce. If you have any extra sauce left, you can add it to make it creamier!
7. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup of bread crumbs. If you want some extra browning, you can drizzle 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the top after bread crumbs.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary. You'll know it's ready when you have that delicious golden-brown color!
9. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and less messy. Okay, who's ready for a cheesy bowl of deliciousness?

📝 Notes

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder along with the salt and pepper.
• If the cheese sauce seems too thick, add a little more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Feel free to customize the bread crumbs. Panko bread crumbs create a crispier topping, while regular bread crumbs give a softer texture. You can also add some herbs to the breadcrumbs for an extra flavor boost.