Prepare to unleash the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Party Size Baked Macaroni and Cheese is not just a dish—it's a cheesy, crispy, mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, potluck, or simply craving the most decadent mac and cheese of your life, this recipe promises to be your new go-to culinary masterpiece that will have guests swooning with every creamy, golden-topped bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, followed by an even layer of breadcrumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side, garnishing with additional herbs or black pepper if desired.
Tips
- For the creamiest sauce, use room temperature milk and grate your own cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy macaroni and maintains the perfect texture.
- Whisking continuously while making the roux and adding milk is crucial to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky cheese sauce.
- For extra crunch, mix some panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top for a more golden and crispy topping.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it completely and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- Experiment with cheese varieties! While cheddar is classic, try mixing in some gruyère, monterey jack, or parmesan for more complex flavor profiles.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier, preventing it from being too runny.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
