The Best Mac And Cheese Recipe
Mac and cheese, short for macaroni and cheese, is one of our most beloved comfort food here in America that has been enjoyed for generations and people keep loving it because of its simplicity. It is a classic dish that is made with cooked macaroni pasta tossed in a creamy cheese sauce, typically made with cheddar cheese, butter, and milk. Mac and cheese is appreciated for its simplicity, rich flavor, and satisfying texture, making it a favorite among both children and adults. I can’t count how many times I’ve returned from work but too weak to make anything because everything would either take too much time or would require me to leave to the stores to get ingredients. In those times, mac and cheese had always been my savior because it requires very base ingredients that always available in almost every American home. In about 30 minutes, my dinner is ready.
I know I’m not the only one for whom mac and cheese has been a life saver, that is why I want to help extend that to everyone that wants to learn to make the classic and well-beloved American dish at home. With this my simple but highly regarded and well received mac and cheese recipe.
Even though everyone loves mac and cheese, it’s not everyone that knows how to make the best tasting mac and cheese. The following recipe and steps that I have outlined would help anyone intending to learn to make mac and cheese in under an hour. And even on your first try, you’ll make something anyone would enjoy.
Best Mac And Cheese Recipe
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Course: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 8 ounces or 2 cups elbow macaroni, or any pasta shape of your choice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional, for topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish, optional. Chives can also be used.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is golden brown and fragrant.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5–7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, if using. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Bake the Mac and Cheese
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
5. Serve and Garnish
Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Serve the mac and cheese hot as a comforting meal or side dish
Best Mac And Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Mixing spoon
- 1 Baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 8 ounces about 2 cups elbow macaroni or any pasta shape of your choice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is golden brown and fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Bake the Mac and Cheese:
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mac and cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve and Garnish:
- Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
- Serve the mac and cheese hot as a comforting and delicious meal or side dish.
