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A serving of baked macaroni and cheese is being scooped from a dish with a spoon. The casserole is topped with a golden, crispy crust.

Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese

Mandy I My Reliable Recipes
This Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. Its creamy, cheesy goodness is easy to make and satisfies any craving for a hearty meal. I love serving it during holidays like Thanksgiving and gamedays like Super Bowl Sunday for a warm, crowd-pleasing treat. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights when you want to keep things simple yet delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 745 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • ¼ cup butter divided
  • 2 ½ cups elbow pasta
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups mature cheddar grated
  • ¼ cup Parmesan grated
  • 2 tablespoons bread crumbs

Instructions
 

  • Boil the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set it aside.
    2 ½ cups elbow pasta
  • Melt half of the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until it’s fragrant and lightly golden.
    ¼ cup butter, 1 garlic clove
  • Stir in the mustard and flour, mixing until smooth and creamy.
    2 tablespoons mustard, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring continuously. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese and lower the heat to medium-low. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated.
    2 cups whole milk, 1 ½ cups mature cheddar, ¼ cup Parmesan grated
  • Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
    2 tablespoons bread crumbs
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Perfect Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente to keep it firm when baked with the sauce.
  • Roux Consistency: Stir the flour and butter until smooth before adding the milk to prevent lumps.
  • Cheese Choices: Add a handful of Gruyere for an extra layer of flavor. This addition brings a nutty and complex taste that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Bake only until the top is golden to keep the pasta moist. Overbaking can dry out the dish and make it less creamy.
  • Breadcrumb Boost: Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter for a crunchier, richer topping.
  • Smooth Sauce: Add the cheese slowly and keep the heat low to avoid curdling. High heat can cause the cheese to separate, leading to a grainy sauce.
  • Add a Kick: Sprinkle a little cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy twist.
  • Creamier Result: Swap some of the milk for a splash of cream to make the sauce extra rich

Nutrition

Calories: 745kcalCarbohydrates: 81gProtein: 29gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 649mgPotassium: 456mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1036IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 543mgIron: 2mg
Keyword mac and cheese
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