Best Mac and Cheese

Why Make This Recipe

This best mac and cheese recipe is perfect for anyone looking for comfort food that’s cheesy, creamy, and downright delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this mac and cheese is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s easy to make and uses common ingredients that you probably already have at home. Plus, everyone loves a classic, and this recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike!

How to Make Best Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish, optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.
3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
4. Bake the Mac and Cheese: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
5. Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

How to Serve Best Mac and Cheese

Best mac and cheese is great served hot from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or as a side dish with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with salads for a complete meal.

How to Store Best Mac and Cheese

To store leftover mac and cheese, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-5 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk before reheating.

Tips to Make Best Mac and Cheese

• Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm since it will continue to cook in the oven.
• For extra flavor, experiment with adding different cheeses like Gouda or Parmesan.
• If you want a crispy top, you can broil the mac and cheese for a minute or two after baking.

Variation

Try adding cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a different twist on this classic dish. You can also adjust the seasonings to your taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this dish gluten-free.

2. Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to baking and store it in the fridge for a day. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.

3. How can I make my mac and cheese creamier?
Adding extra cheese or a splash of heavy cream can make your mac and cheese even creamier. Just be sure to stir well to combine the ingredients.

Best Mac and Cheese

This creamy and cheesy mac and cheese recipe is an ultimate comfort food, perfect for both main dish and side options. Easy to make with common ingredients, it will satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce Base

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk

Cheeses

• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley (chopped, optional) For garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.

Combine and Bake

1. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
2. Add the cooked pasta, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Serving

1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

To store leftover mac and cheese, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-5 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk before reheating.