Macaroni Cheese Recipe
When you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, nothing beats the creamy, bubbling delight of Macaroni Cheese. This classic dish brings together tender pasta, a luxuriously cheesy sauce, and a crisp, golden topping for pure coziness in every bite. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight family dinner or bringing it along to a potluck, Macaroni Cheese always wins hearts with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Macaroni Cheese lies in its simplicity—every ingredient adds something important, from silkiness and richness to that iconic cheesy stretch or the perfect comforting crust. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need, along with a few handy tips to elevate your dish:
- Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): This classic tube-shaped pasta captures all that silky cheese sauce in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): The base for your roux, lending richness and helping achieve the creamiest sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Melds with the butter to thicken your sauce without lumps.
- Whole milk, warmed (2 cups): Warming the milk helps the sauce come together quickly and with no graininess.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For that luscious, decadent texture that distinguishes unforgettable Macaroni Cheese from the merely good.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): The star of the show—go for sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Adds an indulgent stretch—think cheese pull moments!
- Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle tang that brings the flavors together and balances the richness.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add a whisper of savory depth.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a faint smokiness without overwhelming the cheese.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for making all those flavors sing.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Sets the stage for that satisfyingly crisp topping.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Ensures your panko goes golden and toasty.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): A salty finish that takes your breadcrumb topping over the top.
How to Make Macaroni Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop in your elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente—usually a couple minutes shy of the package directions. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so this helps it stay pleasantly firm. Drain your macaroni, give it a shake to lose extra water, and set it aside while you get working on the cheese sauce of your dreams.
Step 2: Make a Silky Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle over the flour and whisk for about a minute until you have a smooth, fragrant roux—this is your flavor foundation! Gradually pour in the warm whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to keep your sauce perfectly smooth. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, until it’s thickened and glossy. Toss in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until everything smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheeses
With the heat off, stir in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The residual heat will melt them into the sauce, creating that creamy, molten blanket Macaroni Cheese is known for. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed—you want the flavors to pop!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now for the best part: Add the drained macaroni to the sauce, stirring gently to make sure each piece gets full of cheesy goodness. Transfer your coated pasta to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top so it’s nice and even.
Step 5: Make and Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Scatter this mixture evenly over the top of your macaroni. It will bake up into the crisp, golden crown every great baked Macaroni Cheese deserves.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving (this helps the cheese sauce thicken up just enough for perfect scooping—and trust me, it’s worth the wait!).
How to Serve Macaroni Cheese
Garnishes
For a little color or extra flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over your baked Macaroni Cheese just before serving. Want to turn up the heat? A pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce on top does wonders.
Side Dishes
Because Macaroni Cheese is so rich and satisfying, it plays nicely with crisp, fresh sides. Think a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or tangy pickled vegetables to balance all that cheesy goodness. A little acidity or crunch goes a long way!
Creative Ways to Present
Macaroni Cheese can wear many hats. Serve it in mini ramekins for an elegant dinner party starter, or add crumbled cooked bacon or sautéed onions for a fun twist. For a casual crowd, try scooping it into bowls and topping with a handful of crushed potato chips or toasted nuts for an unexpected crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a night in the fridge, and it’s still wonderfully cheesy when reheated.
Freezing
To freeze Macaroni Cheese, assemble the dish up to the baking step but don’t bake it yet. Cover well with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen (add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time) until bubbly and golden.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. For a quick fix, you can also microwave individual servings, covering lightly to prevent the cheese from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in Macaroni Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and mozzarella deliver classic flavor and gooeyness, feel free to experiment. Gruyère, fontina, or even a bit of blue cheese can add extra depth and personality to your Macaroni Cheese.
How do I keep Macaroni Cheese from getting grainy?
It’s all about the sauce! Whisk the milk and cream in slowly, and melt your cheese off the heat to avoid overheating. This keeps the sauce silky and smooth rather than gritty.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the roux. Don’t forget to choose a gluten-free panko breadcrumb for the crunchy topping as well!
Is it possible to make Macaroni Cheese ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s hot and bubbly throughout.
What’s the best way to get a really crisp topping?
Make sure your butter is well mixed with the panko and Parmesan, and spread the topping evenly. Baking uncovered at a high enough temperature helps everything get beautifully golden and crunchy on top without overcooking the pasta beneath.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a bubbling baked dish of Macaroni Cheese—creamy, cheesy, a little bit nostalgic, and completely satisfying. Don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you’d expect! Give this recipe a try, and discover just how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into the ultimate comfort food. You and your loved ones will be coming back for seconds, guaranteed.
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Macaroni Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy Macaroni Cheese recipe. Perfectly baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Make a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in the warmed milk and cream. Add seasonings and cheese until melted.
- Combine and Bake: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Enhance the dish with cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like Gruyère or fontina for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
