Macaroni and Cheese 🧀🍝 — creamy, cheesy comfort food that can be simple or gourmet. Here’s a classic stovetop version with a baked option.
Classic Creamy Mac & Cheese (Serves 4–6)
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 2½–3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp paprika or mustard powder
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (this makes a roux).
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
- Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
3. Combine
- Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Serve immediately for creamy stovetop mac & cheese.
Optional Baked Version 🔥
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Top with extra cheese or buttered breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips for Extra Creamy Mac & Cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese (pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly).
- Mix cheeses like cheddar + mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for depth.
- Don’t overcook the pasta — it continues cooking in the sauce.
If you’d like, I can give you a Southern-style baked mac and cheese, a Velveeta-style ultra-creamy version, or a one-pot quick version.
