Description
Classic Mac and Cheese is a comforting, creamy pasta dish made with elbow macaroni and melted cheddar cheese, perfect baked or stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup (½ stick) butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute to make roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat, add shredded cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional mustard powder.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Transfer to greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta; it will cook more in the oven.
- Whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps.
- Use quality cheese for best flavor.
- Mix in veggies or proteins for variations.
- Let cool slightly before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Classic Mac and Cheese, homemade mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, creamy macaroni and cheese, easy comfort food