Baked Mac and Cheese

This easy homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate classic comfort food. We're talking decadent creamy macaroni with the most incredible cheese sauce. Total soul-food and always a crowd favorite!

📝 Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni ((10 oz) uncooked (will yield about 5 cups of cooked macaroni))
• 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups milk (lukewarm)
• 2 cups provolone cheese (shredded)
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. 2Boil the pasta: Boil the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain it and set aside.
3. 3Make a roux: While the pasta cooks, add the butter to a large skillet that's oven proof or a Dutch oven and melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly browned. This will remove the raw taste of the flour. Whisk in the salt and pepper.
4. 4Add milk to the roux: Add the milk and whisk to remove lumps. You can add it all at once or a bit at a time whisking rigorously until smooth.
5. 5Add cheese and Worcestershire sauce: Add the provolone cheese and half of the cheddar cheese and whisk until smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir well. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.
6. 6Cook sauce: Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce starts to thicken and bubble, should take about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
7. 7Add macaroni: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir it until combined. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle smoked paprika over the cheese.
8. 8Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the top starts to brown and sauce gets bubbly.
9. 9Serve: Serve while warm.