simple mac n cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
simple mac n cheese recipe
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The Best simple mac n cheese recipe

I’ve been making this simple mac n cheese recipe for years, and it never fails to impress. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a fun twist on breakfast by adding some crispy bacon or scrambled eggs. My kids love it when I add some hidden veggies like steamed broccoli or carrots, and they don’t even notice the difference.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together – just boil some pasta, mix in a blend of cheddar and parmesan cheese, and bake until golden brown. It’s the perfect solution for those weeknight dinners when I’m short on time but still want to feed my family something delicious and satisfying.

Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy considering how rich it tastes – with just a few ingredients and no added preservatives, this mac n cheese is actually good for you too! In fact, I often serve it at family gatherings because everyone loves it so much.

It’s become a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will be in yours too once you give it a try.

Simple Mac n Cheese

Simple Mac n Cheese

4.6 from 1903 votes

A classic comfort food dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Creamy and cheesy, this mac n cheese is a crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac n Cheese

225g elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
4Ensure the pasta is not overcooked to prevent a mushy texture.
5In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown and gives off a nutty aroma.
7This step is crucial for removing the raw flour taste.
8Gradually add the milk to the butter and flour mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
9Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
10Stir frequently to prevent burning.
11Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
12Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
13Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
14Preheat your oven to 375°F.
15In a baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
16Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
17In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, olive oil, and paprika.
18Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
19This will give the dish a nice crunchy topping when baked.
20Bake the macaroni and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
21Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

🔧Equipment

Saucepan
Colander
Whisk
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Watch Video Of How Simple Mac n Cheese Works

This simple mac n cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family dinner party or just need a comforting meal after a long day.

My family loves how easy it is to customize with their favorite toppings like crispy bacon or steamed vegetables.

And as an added bonus, this recipe is surprisingly healthy considering how rich and satisfying it tastes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mac n Cheese

1. Q: What type of pasta should I use for this mac n cheese recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use a high-quality macaroni that holds up well to the cheesy sauce. Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other shapes like shells or penne if you prefer.

2. Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

A: Absolutely! While cheddar and parmesan are my go-to choices, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or even gouda for added depth of flavor.

3. Q: How do I prevent the top layer of cheese from burning during baking?

A: To avoid this common problem, simply cover the dish with foil for the first 20-25 minutes of baking and then remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the top layer to brown.

4. Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer?

A: Yes! You can prepare the mac n cheese up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

5. Q: Is there anything I can substitute for milk in this recipe?

A: If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer non-dairy options, you can replace milk with almond milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk – just keep an eye on the consistency as these alternatives may alter the texture slightly.

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