Mac and Cheese Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Simple

It starts with a scoop of Grandma’s golden macbubbling edges, a crispy top, and that irresistible aroma wrapping the kitchen in a buttery hug. This mac and cheese recipe keeps circling back on Pinterest and Reddit for good reason. It’s simple, cozy, and comforting. Beginner-friendly and ready in just 30 minutes using pantry staples you likely have on hand.

This dish is creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. We’re using freshly shredded sharp cheddar, whole milk, and a touch of Dijon mustard for subtle depth. No fancy ingredientsjust pure homemade goodness that makes even boxed mac jealous. Full recipe details are just below!

This recipe came to life beside my grandmother, where I learned the art of stirring slowly and seasoning just right. After culinary school, I came back to her iconic version, giving it a modern twistless grease, more flavor. I tested it until the cheese melted just right. Want to know the secret? It’s the combination of butter-to-flour ratio and the timing on cheese meltmore on that below.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mac and cheese recipe is pure cozy nostalgia, updated with a modern, practical spin. It’s the kind of comfort food that belongs in your weekly rotation. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:

• Beginner-friendly: No elaborate stepsjust a simple, forgiving process.
• Pantry staple ingredients: Elbow macaroni, cheddar, milkeasy to find, even easier to love.
• Perfectly versatile: A base recipe that welcomes add-ins like extra cheese or crispy toppings.
• Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, toasty, and loaded with rich flavorit’s like a warm blanket in a bowl.

Key Ingredients and Shopping Tips

This comforting dish doesn’t rely on expensive ingredients. Just classic staples done right. Here’s what makes it shine and some smart shopping tips:

• Elbow macaroni: Its short, curved shape holds onto cheesy sauce beautifully. Stick with al dente for the best bite.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Grate it yourself for smoother melting and bolder flavor. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but freshly grated is creamier.
• Whole milk: Brings richness and body to the sauce. Avoid skim or low-fat milk if you want a truly creamy experience.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Lend a satisfying crunch to the golden topping. No panko? No problemsub with crushed saltines or classic breadcrumbs.

Step-by-Step Directions

This recipe is weeknight-ready and doesn’t skimp on flavor. Here are the clear, no-guessing-needed steps to an unforgettable homemade mac and cheese meal:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 7–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add the milk: Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk, whisking constantly. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the mixture thickensabout 3–5 minutes.
4. Stir in cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add 2 cups (about 8 oz) of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
5. Combine: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Gently stir to evenly coat each noodle. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Bake: Pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Top with 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Optional: sprinkle with extra cheese. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.

Helpful Swaps and Tweaks

Whether you’re trying to lighten things up or add gourmet flair, these options let you customize the recipe with ease:

• Cheese blends: Mix in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, fontina, or a touch of smoked cheddar for added depth.
• Breadcrumb substitutes: Try crushed butter crackers, seasoned bread crumbs, or toasted cornflakes for something different.
• Lighter version: Replace whole milk with half-and-half or blend with unsweetened almond milk for a subtle cut in richness.

Serving and Storing Tips

This baked mac and cheese is best enjoyed hot and fresh but handles leftovers beautifully too. Here’s how to serve, store, and reheat like a pro:

• Serve warm: Straight from the oven! Add a side salad or roasted veggies for a hearty dinner.
• Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 325°F until hot, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to preserve creaminess.
• Freeze: Portion into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Expert Insight: Crafting the Perfect Mac and Cheese

For the silkiest texture, focus on melting cheese gently over low heat and balancing your roux. Don’t boil the cheese sauceslow and steady wins the race. A combination of sharp and mild cheeses can enhance complexity while keeping things smooth and creamy. Using freshly grated cheese also prevents graininess since pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents.

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The Heartwarming Hunt for the Best Mac and Cheese Recipe

After plenty of kitchen trialssome ending in separated sauce or forgotten saltI finally landed on a mac and cheese recipe that truly feels like home. It’s creamy, comforting, and just refined enough to impress. These flavor tweaks and textures were honed over countless batches and happy forks scraping the plate clean.

FAQs ( Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch )

Conclusion

This mac and cheese recipe checks every comfort boxquick, satisfying, and completely customizable. In about 30 minutes, you get an indulgent dish with creamy sauce and that sought-after golden crust. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy potluck favorite, this is one to bookmark.

For added flair, try smoked paprika or a grating of nutmeg in the sauce. Or blend in a spoonful of sour cream for ultimate richness. When reheating leftovers, a quick broil helps the topping regain its crispnessjust like fresh-baked.

Give it a go, share your spins, and tell me how it turned out! Whether it’s a nostalgic dish or a new comfort classic, I’d love to hear your stories. Bring this gem to your tableand don’t forget to savor every creamy, crunchy bite.

Olivia Farnsworth

Mac and Cheese Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Simple

Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This mac and cheese recipe is the best recipe for mac and cheese that brings a nostalgic taste with different kinds of mac n cheese styles. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish promises to please everyone at the table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 490

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Method

 

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
6. Bake: Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with panko bread crumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered to retain creaminess. You can swap panko bread crumbs with crushed crackers for a different crunchy topping.