Description
This Creamy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake is a quintessential comfort food dish that combines the rich, velvety texture of a homemade cheese sauce with the delightful crunch of toasted breadcrumbs. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or any time you need a warm, cheesy embrace, this baked pasta dish is both satisfying and delicious. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it transforms everyday pantry staples into a decadent, oven-baked delight.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 4 cups milk
- 6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it is al dente.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes to create a roux. Add garlic salt and pepper to taste. Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Bring to a low boil and let it cook until it thickens, about 4–5 minutes, before removing from heat.
4. Combine Pasta and Cheese
Drain the cooked pasta and place it in a lightly greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta, then pour the thickened cheese sauce on top. Allow the mixture to sit momentarily so the cheese begins to melt, then stir to evenly combine.
5. Add Breadcrumb Topping
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir constantly until they turn golden brown, about 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle these toasted breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese.
6. Bake
Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 14–15 minutes until everything is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 8 people and the total preparation and cooking time is about 45 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat servings in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover the pasta with aluminum foil and heat at 350°F until warm, about 20 minutes; this prevents drying out.
Conclusion
The Creamy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake is a heartwarming dish that brings together the comforts of creamy cheese and tender pasta under a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Ideal for potlucks, busy weeknights, or simply when the craving for something cheesy takes hold, this recipe offers both ease and satisfaction in each forkful. Whether serving this as a main dish or a side, it promises to be a delightful centerpiece at your dining table.
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Creamy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake is a quintessential comfort food dish that combines the rich, velvety texture of a homemade cheese sauce with the delightful crunch of toasted breadcrumbs. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or any time you need a warm, cheesy embrace, this baked pasta dish is both satisfying and delicious. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it transforms everyday pantry staples into a decadent, oven-baked delight.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 4 cups milk
- 6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Cook the Pasta
- Make the Cheese Sauce
- Combine Pasta and Cheese
- Add Breadcrumb Topping
- Bake