cheddar mac n cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cheddar mac n cheese recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best cheddar mac n cheese recipe

I’m so excited to share my favorite cheddar mac n cheese recipe with you all. This classic comfort food is a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for any occasion.

Whether we’re having a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish is always a hit. I remember growing up, my mom would make it for us on special occasions, and now that I’m a mom myself, I love serving it to my kids (and husband) when they need a comforting meal.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – just the kind of recipe I love to share with you all.

Creamy Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Creamy Cheddar Mac and Cheese

4.6 from 837 votes

Indulge in this comforting classic, featuring a rich and creamy cheddar sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
5Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux.
6The mixture should turn a light brown color.
7Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously.
8Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
9Add the grated cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
10Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
12Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
13In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
14Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta and cheese.
15Top with grated cheddar cheese.
16Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
17Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Whisk
Baking dish

📊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: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. You can also mix in cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.

This cheddar mac n cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after work or need something quick to feed your family on-the-go. My kids love helping me assemble the dish (it’s their favorite ‘job’!)

, and my husband appreciates how easily it reheats when we’re short on time (which is often!) As for leftovers?

Don’t worry about them going stale; simply reheat them in the oven until crispy golden brown and enjoy as an extra-special treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Q: What type of cheese should I use?

For an authentic taste experience, use sharp cheddar cheese as the base.

Q: Can I substitute other pasta shapes?

While elbow macaroni works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi if you prefer.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe contains gluten due to the use of traditional breadcrumbs; however, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

Q: How do I store leftover mac n cheese?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat as desired.

Q: Can I make individual portions ahead of time?

Sure! Simply portion into individual servings before baking; cover each serving with foil and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

Similar Posts