mac b cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best mac b cheese recipe

I’ve been making macaroni and cheese for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love it, and it’s a great way to get them to eat something other than their usual chicken nuggets or pizza. As for me, I love how comforting and nostalgic it feels.

There’s something about the combination of the creamy cheese sauce, the al dente pasta, and the crunchy breadcrumb topping that just makes me feel happy and full. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just boil some pasta, mix up some cheese sauce, and voila! You have a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish for a holiday gathering, macaroni and cheese is always a good idea. And the best part? It’s actually pretty healthy too – I like to use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese to make it a bit more guilt-free.

I’ve even started experimenting with different variations – like adding in some steamed broccoli or carrots to make it a bit more nutritious. But honestly, the classic recipe is still my favorite. There’s just something about the simplicity of it that I love – the way the flavors all come together in perfect harmony.

It’s truly a dish that never goes out of style.

Classic Mac and Cheese

4.5 from 1679 votes

A comforting classic, this mac and cheese recipe features a creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

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
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

For Baking

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain and set aside.
5In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
6Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
7Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture bubbles and turns light brown.
8Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
9Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
10Reduce heat to low and add cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
11Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
12Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large bowl, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
13Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
14In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter.
15Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
16Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
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: For a spicy kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Watch Video Of How Classic Mac and Cheese Works

One of my favorite things about macaroni and cheese is how versatile it is – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish for a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to please.

And don’t even get me started on leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for meal prep or taking lunch to work.

One thing to keep in mind when storing leftovers is to let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them – this will help prevent bacterial growth and ensure they stay fresh longer.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mac and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using elbow macaroni or another short, curved pasta shape. This will help the cheese sauce coat the pasta evenly and prevent it from becoming too sticky.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Some popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and gouda.

Q: How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from getting soggy?

To prevent the breadcrumbs from getting soggy, try mixing them with some grated Parmesan cheese before sprinkling them on top of the macaroni.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the cheese sauce and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the macaroni.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is suitable for vegetarians as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese options.

Similar Posts