Creamy Cheddar Mac Bake (Print-Friendly Version)

Elbow macaroni in a smooth cheddar sauce, oven-baked with buttery breadcrumbs until beautifully golden.

# What You’ll Need to Make This:

→ Pasta

01 - 225 grams elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 2 cups (200 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 480 millilitres whole milk
04 - 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour

→ Topping

06 - 1 cup (50 grams) panko breadcrumbs

# How to Prepare:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
02 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until smooth and slightly golden.
03 - Gradually pour in whole milk while whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
04 - Remove saucepan from heat. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 - Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing gently until pasta is evenly coated.
06 - Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to help the sauce set and enhance flavour.