Here’s a classic, creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe—comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Pasta & Cheese:
- 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional, for depth of flavor)
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (~5 minutes).
- Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Combine:
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
- Optional baked version:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Enjoy hot, optionally garnished with parsley or extra Parmesan.
✅ Tip: For extra richness, add a splash of cream or a little cream cheese to the sauce. You can also mix in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed vegetables for a flavorful twist.
I can also give a quick stovetop version that’s ready in 15 minutes for a faster, no-bake option.
