Rich, creamy macaroni and cheese baked or stovetop, with irresistible melted cheese throughout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This macaroni and cheese delivers a comforting classic with a velvety cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd favourite.
ingredients
elbow macaroni
butter
all‑purpose flour
milk or cream
grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend)
salt
black pepper
mustard powder (optional)
breadcrumbs (optional topping)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
- Cook macaroni until just al dente; drain.
- Make a roux with butter and flour in a saucepan.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thick.
- Stir in grated cheese until melted.
- Combine cheese sauce with macaroni.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly (optional).
- Serve hot.
Servings and timing
Serves: 6
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 20–25 minutes
Total: ~40 minutes
Variations
• Add smoked paprika or cayenne for heat.
• Stir in cooked bacon or ham.
• Use a blend of cheeses for complexity.
storage/reheating
Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes, use gluten‑free pasta and flour.
Should I bake it?
Baking adds texture but is optional.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Heat too high or cheese added too quickly can cause graininess.
Can I use low‑fat milk?
Yes, though sauce will be slightly less rich.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Do not overcook and stir immediately with sauce.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar and Gruyère melt smoothly.
Can I add vegetables?
Peas or broccoli are great additions.
How do I prevent dry mac and cheese?
Add enough milk and serve soon after cooking.
Is this kid‑friendly?
Yes, a classic comfort dish for all ages.
Can I freeze it?
Freeze before baking; bake from frozen with extra time.
Conclusion
Creamy macaroni and cheese is a timeless comfort dish — cheesy, satisfying, and loved by all.
Print
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting classic dish made with tender elbow pasta coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce — rich, satisfying, and perfect as a main or side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until fully coated and creamy.
- Optional: Transfer to a baking dish, top with Parmesan, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results.
- Customize with mix-ins like bacon, jalapeños, or cooked vegetables.
- For baked mac and cheese, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes with a breadcrumb topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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