Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Classic Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly satisfying, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something cozy and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Creamy: A velvety cheese sauce coats every piece of pasta.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike can’t resist this classic dish.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or substitute with mozzarella)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
2 tbsp melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the warm milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece evenly.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish if baking.
Step 4: Add Breadcrumb Topping (Optional)
If desired, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Mac and Cheese
Cheese Variations: Mix and match cheeses like Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or Fontina for unique flavors.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Prep Ahead: Assemble the mac and cheese without the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.
Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk warm
- 1 cup heavy cream optional for extra creaminess
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or substitute with mozzarella
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs optional topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter for breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece evenly.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish if baking.
- Step 4: Add Breadcrumb Topping (Optional)
- If desired, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the mac and cheese (without the breadcrumb topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave individual portions until heated through. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess. Freshly shredded cheese is recommended.
Can I skip baking?
Absolutely! If you prefer stovetop mac and cheese, skip the breadcrumb topping and serve right after mixing the pasta and sauce.
What side dishes pair well with mac and cheese?
A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are great choices.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Mac and Cheese recipe is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones. Pin this recipe to your Pinterest board and save it for your next comfort food craving!