top rated mac and cheese recipe

The Best top rated mac and cheese recipe

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that has been a staple in many American households for generations. As a mom and food blogger, I can attest to the fact that this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, especially among kids. My own family loves it when I make it for dinner, and it’s often requested for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings.

But what makes this recipe so special? In my opinion, it’s the perfect combination of creamy pasta, rich cheese sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. The technique of making the cheese sauce from scratch is key to achieving that perfect velvety texture.

By using a combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, you get a rich and creamy flavor that’s hard to resist. And let’s not forget the pasta – a good macaroni is essential for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. When I make this recipe, I like to use cavatappi or other corkscrew-shaped pasta to add an extra layer of fun to mealtime.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as the main event, this top-rated mac and cheese recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make – just cook the pasta, mix together the cheese sauce ingredients, combine everything in a baking dish, and top with some breadcrumbs for an extra crispy topping.

It’s a recipe that never fails to impress and always leaves me with happy memories of family dinners past.

Top Rated Mac and Cheese

4.7 from 1986 votes

A creamy and comforting classic mac and cheese recipe. This dish is perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

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

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
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
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dry mustard

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) to warm the serving dish.
5In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
6Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
7Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly until the mixture turns light brown.
8Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
9Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
10Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dry mustard.
11Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan.
12Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
13Remove from heat.
14Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl.
15Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
16Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish.
17Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
18Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

πŸ”§Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Saucepan
Whisk
Cheese grater

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 5g❀️Cholesterol: 30mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5gπŸ₯©Protein: 15g

πŸ“Notes

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

This top-rated mac and cheese recipe has been a staple in our household for years – not just because it’s delicious but also because it’s so versatile!

It’s perfect for weeknight meals when we need something quick and easy but also satisfying.

And because it reheats so well (just pop it in the oven at 350Β°F until hot throughout), we love making it ahead of time for busy days when everyone needs something comforting after school/work/sports practice etc.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Top Rated Mac and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta is best for mac and cheese?

A: While you can use any type of pasta you like, I highly recommend using a corkscrew-shaped pasta like cavatappi or fusilli. This type of pasta has a large surface area that allows it to hold onto the cheesy goodness better than other types of pasta.

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

A: Yes! While cheddar is the traditional choice for mac and cheese, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses like GruyΓ¨re, Gouda, or even mozzarella if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly if you’re using a wetter cheese.

Q: How do I prevent the top from getting too browned?

A: One trick I use is to cover the top with foil during baking until the last 10 minutes or so – this will help prevent over-browning while still allowing for some browning on top.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes – one great thing about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time! Simply prepare everything up until baking (including assembling the casserole), then refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegans or vegetarians?

A: Unfortunately not – due to its reliance on dairy products (cheddar and Parmesan), this recipe isn’t suitable for those following vegan or vegetarian diets.

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