Nani’s Easy Cheesy Baked Macaroni
This creamy baked macaroni is the perfect comfort food for busy school nights.
recipesbynani.comWhen the school year starts, life gets busy fast. This recipe is a favorite in my house because it is filling, comforting, and always earns a clean plate from the kids.
I love to prep this right before the homework begins. A quick tip is to shred your own cheese from a block because it melts so much smoother than the pre shredded kind you find in bags.
🧺 Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a large baking dish with a little butter.
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni for two minutes less than the package says so it stays firm.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour until it is smooth and bubbly.
- 4
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly so no lumps form, then cook until the sauce thickens.
- 5
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and three cups of the shredded cheese until everything is melted.
- 6
Combine the cooked pasta and the cheese sauce in your baking dish, then top with the remaining cup of cheese.
- 7
Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden on top.
💡 Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave with a tiny splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
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