Description
Enjoy a creamy and comforting homemade macaroni and cheese recipe inspired by Cracker Barrel. This dish features a rich cheese sauce and perfectly cooked macaroni, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (a mix of sharp and mild)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour cheese sauce over cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creamy mac and cheese, use room temperature ingredients.
- Grate your own cheese for smoother melting.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni.
- Stir cheese sauce constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add protein like bacon or ham for a heartier meal.
- Mix in vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition.
- Top with breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, mac and cheese, Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, cheese sauce, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese recipe, cheddar cheese, pasta bake