Mac and Cheese Bake

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2 . Stage

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain.

3 . Stage

Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large pot over medium heat; stir flour into butter until smooth. Stream milk into the butter mixture while stirring; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.

4 . Stage

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add Cheddar cheese in small batches, stirring each into the milk mixture and melting until adding the next. Add macaroni and stir to coat. Pour macaroni into prepared baking dish.

5 . Stage

Stir bread crumbs and melted butter together in a small bowl; sprinkle over the macaroni.

6 . Stage

Bake in preheated oven until the top is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.