Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- ½ tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour until golden brown.
- Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth. Stir in sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish. Optionally, top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or jalapeños for a spicy twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.