I’ve been making mac and cheese for years, and it’s still one of my favorite recipes to this day. There’s something about the creamy pasta, the gooey cheese, and the comforting feeling of a warm, homemade meal that just can’t be beat.
My kids love it, my husband loves it, and I love how easy it is to make. Plus, it’s a great way to get some carbs and protein into their little bodies without having to think too much about what I’m feeding them.
As for me, I love how versatile mac and cheese can be – it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even just a quick lunch on the go. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – pasta is a great source of complex carbohydrates, and cheese provides a boost of protein and calcium.
It’s a win-win in my book!
Classic Mac and Cheese
4.8 from 1336 votes
A comforting classic dish featuring tender macaroni pasta smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
2Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
4In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5Once the butter is fully melted and bubbling, add the flour to form a roux.
6Cook the roux, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
7Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
8Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and begins to bubble.
9This should take about 5-7 minutes.
10Remove the saucepan from the heat.
11Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, a little at a time, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
12Stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
13Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
14The sauce should be smooth and well-seasoned.
15Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
16If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Tips: For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half. To make this dish ahead of time, assemble the mac and cheese and reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
One thing that’s really important when making mac and cheese is storage – if you don’t plan on serving it right away, you’ll need to store it properly so that it stays fresh.
Here are a few tips: first, let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing; secondly keep leftovers at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating; thirdly never leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours because bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F (4°C) & 140°F (60°C).
To reheat your leftovers try microwaving until hot throughout or bake until golden brown in oven set at 350°F (175°C) covered with aluminum foil so moisture doesn’t escape.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mac and Cheese
Q: What type of pasta should I use for mac and cheese?
A: For mac and cheese, you want to use a pasta that will hold onto the cheesy sauce well. I like to use elbow macaroni or shells – they’re both great options that work well with this recipe.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in my mac and cheese?
A: Yes, you can definitely mix and match different types of cheese to create your perfect blend. Cheddar is a classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can also add some Parmesan or mozzarella for extra flavor.
Q: How do I prevent my mac and cheese from becoming too dry?
A: To prevent your mac and cheese from drying out, make sure to not overcook the pasta before adding the cheesy sauce. You want it to still have a bit of bite to it – that way the sauce will coat it evenly without becoming too thick.
Q: Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make mac and cheese ahead of time by preparing the pasta and sauce separately. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply combine them together in a baking dish.
Q: Is there anything I can substitute in place of milk in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute in place of milk with other liquids like water or broth if you prefer. However keep in mind that using milk will give your macaroni a creamier texture which is why we recommend using milk.
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