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