macaroni and cheese recipe

macaroni and cheese recipe

The Best macaroni and cheese recipe

I’ve been making macaroni and cheese for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. This classic comfort food is a staple in many American households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, versatile, and can be tailored to suit various tastes.

I remember my grandmother teaching me how to make it from scratch when I was just a kid. She’d say, ‘The key is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese.’

She was right; using real cheddar and Parmesan gives it a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with processed cheese. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it healthier, using whole-wheat pasta and reducing the amount of cheese.

But the essence remains the same – creamy, comforting, and utterly satisfying. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out the pasta and mixing in the cheese sauce.

It’s a fun bonding experience we all cherish. Macaroni and cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a memory-making machine.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as the main event, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And let’s not forget about the leftovers – perfect for meal prep or packing lunches for school or work.

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

4.6 from 1914 votes

A comforting and creamy macaroni and cheese recipe that’s perfect for family dinners. This dish features a rich cheese sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Macaroni

8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter
4 tbsp (32g) all-purpose flour
4 cups (946ml) whole milk
4 cups (450g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

For Topping

1 cup (115g) panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp (28g) melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
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, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
8Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
9Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
10Remove from heat.
11Add shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sauce.
12Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
13Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl, ensuring the macaroni is evenly coated.
14Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
15In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
16Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
17Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
18Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
19This allows the macaroni and cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
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: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Watch Video Of How Classic Macaroni and Cheese Works

This macaroni and cheese recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a comforting meal after a long day.

It’s also great for meal prep or packing lunches for school or work.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can adjust the amount of cheese to your liking and even add some extra nutrients like steamed veggies or lean protein sources.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use for macaroni and cheese?

You can use any type of pasta you like, but I find that elbow macaroni works best because its shape holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly.

Q: Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat or non-dairy milk if you prefer.

Q: How do I prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy pasta, make sure to cook it al dente before adding the cheese sauce.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Feel free to get creative! You can add cooked vegetables like broccoli or carrots, cooked meats like bacon or ham, or even some spice like cayenne pepper.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the macaroni and cheese up to 24 hours in advance without cooking it. Then simply bake until golden brown.

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