Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this homemade mac and cheese recipe. Creamy and cheesy, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a side for your favorite meal.
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni:
12 oz
Unsalted Butter:
4 tablespoons
All-Purpose Flour:
1/4 cup
Whole Milk:
3 cups, warmed
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Sharp Cheddar Cheese:
2 1/2 cups, shredded
Mozzarella Cheese:
1 cup, shredded
Garlic Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Mustard Powder:
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup, grated (optional topping)
Seasoned Breadcrumbs:
1/2 cup (optional topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add warm milk and cream. Cook until thickened, then add seasonings and cheeses, stirring until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- For Baked Mac and Cheese: Preheat oven to 375°F, transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then bake until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina for added depth.
- For extra flavor, stir in cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or roasted garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop (and optional baking)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
