Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 0.75 lbelbow macaroni$1.58
• 4 tbspunsalted butter$0.48
• 3 tbspall-purpose flour$0.05
• 2.25 cupwhole milk$0.83
• 2.25 cupsharp cheddar cheese, shredded$7.35
• 0.75 tspkosher salt$0.01
• 0.5 tspdry mustard$0.03
• 0.25 tspblack pepper$0.03
• 0.5 cuppanko breadcrumbs$0.37
• Total for 4 servings$10.73

Most of the cost is sharp cheddar cheese, shredded ($7.35) and elbow macaroni ($1.58). Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, add the elbow macaroni, and cook until 1 to 2 minutes shy of al dente, about 6 to 7 minutes; drain thoroughly.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter, whisk in the all-purpose flour, and cook for 1 minute until bubbly and pale.
4. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, and cook while whisking constantly until thickened and smooth, about 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in 1.75 cups of the cheddar cheese, the kosher salt, dry mustard, and black pepper until completely melted and velvety.
6. Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated, transfer to the prepared baking dish, and scatter the remaining 0.5 cup cheddar cheese evenly over top.
7. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small bowl, toss with the panko breadcrumbs, and sprinkle the buttered crumbs evenly across the casserole.
8. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top; let rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.