Description

This cafeteria-style macaroni and cheese is the epitome of comfort food, offering a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to tender macaroni, all topped with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb crust. Simple yet satisfying, this dish evokes nostalgia with every bite, reminiscent of the classic mac and cheese served in school cafeterias. It’s perfect as a main course or a side dish, and its straightforward preparation makes it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces macaroni
1 ½ cups milk
1 ½ teaspoons ground mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¾ teaspoon salt
1 dash hot pepper sauce
1 ½ tablespoons butter
3 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot sauce. Set aside.
Stir 1½ tablespoons butter and 3 cups of cheese into the drained macaroni. Pour the hot milk mixture over the cheese and macaroni, stirring until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Cheddar on top.
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter, and spread over the top. Sprinkle with paprika.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. For an extra-crispy topping, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

For best results, cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. You can make the dish ahead of time by assembling it up to the point of baking, then refrigerating it until ready to bake. If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider using whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and milk. Additionally, feel free to customize the recipe by adding meats like bacon or ham, or incorporating vegetables such as broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.