Dreamy Creamy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake Recipe for Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheddar elbow pasta bake that promises pure cheesy bliss.

Rich, golden cheese melts into every tender pasta curve, creating a seriously addictive dish.

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole delivers layers of robust flavor in each delectable bite.

The combination of creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Sharp cheddar provides a tangy kick that elevates the entire meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you serve this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Dive into a world of cheesy, comforting goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 588 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Behind Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic comfort pasta that provides a perfect vessel for creamy cheese sauce, choose a high-quality brand for best texture and flavor.

• Butter, Flour: Essential duo for creating a silky smooth roux that thickens the sauce and adds rich depth, select unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that transforms the sauce, whole milk delivers the most luxurious and velvety consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese that melts beautifully and delivers robust flavor, opt for freshly grated block cheese over pre-shredded varieties.
• Garlic Salt: Adds subtle savory undertones and enhances overall seasoning, provides instant flavor complexity.
• Black Pepper: Brings gentle heat and aromatic warmth, freshly ground offers the most vibrant taste.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light, airy crumbs that create an irresistible golden crunch, Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide superior texture.

Kitchen Must-Haves for Elbow Pasta Bake Perfection

• Large Saucepan: Essential for creating smooth, creamy cheese sauce with perfect consistency.
• Whisk: Critical tool for blending flour, milk, and preventing lumps in sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for combining pasta and cheese, ensuring even distribution.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta thoroughly and prevent excess water.
• Small Skillet: Used for toasting breadcrumbs to golden brown perfection.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measurements guarantee balanced flavors and texture.
• Wooden Spoon: Helpful for stirring pasta and breadcrumbs during cooking process.

Your Guide to Baking Cheddar Pasta Bliss

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to create the perfect environment for a delicious pasta transformation.

• Pasta Magic

Cook the elbow macaroni until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture that makes pasta lovers swoon.

• Cheese Sauce Creation

Craft a silky smooth sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour. Let the mixture dance on the heat, developing a rich golden base. Slowly introduce milk, stirring with care to create a luxurious, creamy blend that will make taste buds sing.

• Pasta and Cheese Harmony

Bring together the cooked pasta and velvety cheese sauce in a welcoming baking dish. Let the ingredients mingle and get to know each other, creating a comforting union of flavors.

• Crunchy Breadcrumb Finale

Transform ordinary breadcrumbs into a golden, crispy crown. Toast them gently in butter until they reach a perfect sun-kissed color that promises a delightful crunch.

• Baking Bliss

Slide the dish into the warm oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the top turns a beautiful golden hue and the edges bubble with anticipation of the deliciousness to come.

Cheddar Bake Tips for Ultimate Creaminess

• Pasta Perfection Tricks: Your Cheesy Adventure Guide
• Cheese Blend Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic mac and cheese experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the dish by adding crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal that transforms this side into a complete dinner.
• Veggie Boost Strategy: Sneak in finely chopped broccoli, spinach, or roasted cauliflower to increase nutritional value without compromising the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
• Crunch Factor Upgrade: Try alternative toppings like crushed butter crackers, seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, or toasted nuts to add extra texture and exciting flavor dimensions to the classic breadcrumb topping.

Serving Ideas for Pasta Comfort

• Comfort Family Feast: Serve this creamy pasta bake as a heartwarming main dish for family dinners, surrounded by loved ones eager to dig into the cheesy goodness.
• Potluck Party Pleaser
• Fresh Side Companions: Pair the rich pasta bake with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy, cheesy flavors and add some nutritional variety to the meal.
• Protein Power-Up: Top individual servings with crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or diced ham to transform this dish into a more substantial and protein-packed meal that satisfies bigger appetites.

Keep That Cheesy Pasta Bake Tasty Longer

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your Creamy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake fresh and delicious with these tips.
• Refrigerator Rescue: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken slightly, so reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore its original texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Comfort: Wrap the baked dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Portion Power: Divide leftovers into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or fast weeknight meals. These single servings reheat perfectly in the microwave in 1-2 minutes.
• Flavor Boost Reheating: When warming up cold mac and cheese, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top before microwaving or baking. This refreshes the cheesy goodness and prevents dryness.

Cheesy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty cheddar elbow pasta bake delivers comfort with rich cheese and golden breadcrumb topping. Midwest family recipes shine through this simple, satisfying casserole you’ll want to share with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 16-oz (454 g) package elbow macaroni
• 6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 cups milk
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup plus 2 tbsps salted butter, divided
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp garlic salt
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F, setting the stage for a delectable pasta transformation.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until perfectly tender, then drain completely, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
3. Sauce Creation: In a large saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a golden roux. Season with garlic salt and pepper, creating a flavor foundation. Gradually pour milk while stirring constantly to develop a smooth, velvety sauce that thickens elegantly and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Cheese Integration: Transfer cooked pasta to a greased baking dish. Generously distribute shredded cheddar throughout, then pour the luxurious cheese sauce over the pasta. Gently fold to ensure every pasta piece becomes thoroughly enrobed in creamy goodness.
5. Crispy Topping: Toast panko breadcrumbs in melted butter until they achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color, creating a tantalizing crunchy layer that will crown the creamy pasta.
6. Baking Finale: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until the surface bubbles enthusiastically and turns a tempting golden brown, signaling the perfect moment to remove and serve this comforting dish.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni exactly al dente to prevent mushy texture during baking.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk flour and butter continuously to avoid lumps and create smooth, silky sauce base.
• Cheese Coating Technique: Fold sauce and cheese gently to ensure every pasta piece gets even, creamy coverage.
• Breadcrumb Crunch Strategy: Toast panko breadcrumbs carefully in butter until golden brown for maximum crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 588
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 79 mg