Here’s a classic, creamy macaroni and cheese recipe—rich, cheesy, and perfectly comforting. 🧀
Classic Macaroni and Cheese (Baked Version, Serves 4–6)
Ingredients
Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (about 3 cups)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 tsp mustard powder (optional, adds depth)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Monterey Jack (optional for extra creaminess)
Topping (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water 1–2 minutes less than package instructions (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. Make cheese sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour, cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (~5 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in cheese, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Combine
- Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
4. Bake (optional)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour macaroni and cheese into a greased baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Serve
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Mac & Cheese
- Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for flavor; blend cheeses for creaminess.
- Sauce consistency: Don’t overcook the sauce; it will thicken more in the oven.
- Extra creaminess: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate; bake longer and cover with foil if needed.
Variations
- Stovetop only: Skip the oven; just stir pasta into sauce.
- Bacon Mac & Cheese: Fold in cooked bacon bits before baking.
- Spicy: Add ¼–½ tsp cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Veggie: Add roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or peas.
I can also give a luxury “restaurant-style” mac & cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and three cheeses if you want it extra decadent.
Do you want me to do that version too?
