Mac and Cheese
The ultimate comfort food classic! Tender elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from scratch, then baked with a crunchy panko topping until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
For 8 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Oven and Cook Pasta
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (or 3-quart) baking dish.
- c.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite), typically 7-8 minutes.
- d.Drain the pasta well in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce adhere.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Cheese Sauce (Béchamel)
- b.In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- c.Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a thick paste (a roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it's bubbly and smells slightly nutty. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
- d.Gradually pour in the warm milk, about one cup at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- e.Remove the saucepan from the heat. This is crucial to prevent the cheese from separating. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese, a handful at a time, until completely melted and smooth.
- f.Stir in the 1 tsp salt, black pepper, dry mustard, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Assemble
- b.Add the cooked macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is evenly and generously coated.
- c.Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare Topping and Bake
- b.In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toss until they are evenly coated.
- c.Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- d.Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- e.Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and thicken.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy and prevent smooth melting.
- 2Use warm or room temperature milk. Adding cold milk to the hot roux can cause it to seize and become lumpy.
- 3Cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
- 4Remove the sauce from the heat before adding cheese. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become oily.
- 5For an extra creamy sauce, substitute 1 cup of the whole milk with 1 cup of evaporated milk or half-and-half.
- 6Don't skip the dry mustard. It enhances the cheese flavor without making it taste like mustard.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or browned ground beef along with the pasta into the cheese sauce.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Add steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms and onions, or roasted butternut squash for extra nutrients and flavor.
Cheese BlendsCheese Blends
Experiment with different melting cheeses like smoked Gouda, Fontina, Monterey Jack, or a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce for some heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Calcium
The significant amount of milk and cheese in this recipe provides calcium, a mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Energy Provider
Carbohydrates from the pasta are the body's primary fuel source, providing the necessary energy for daily activities and brain function.
Rich in Protein
Cheese and milk contribute a good amount of protein, which is vital for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and creating enzymes and hormones.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (approximately 1 cup) of this homemade mac and cheese contains about 660 calories. This can vary based on the specific brands of cheese and milk used.