Description
Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this Mouthwatering Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying, this recipe brings that nostalgic, homemade flavor straight to your table. Perfect as a quick dinner, hearty side, or indulgent midnight snack, this dish is a must-try for mac lovers. The velvety cheese sauce, golden optional topping, and simple steps make it ideal for anyone looking for easy recipes, dinner ideas, or food ideas that never disappoint. From kids to adults, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
225g elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup American cheese (sliced or chopped)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup breadcrumbs or panko (optional, for baking)
Instructions
1. Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and golden.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the cheddar and American cheeses until melted and smooth.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
6. Stir in the cooked macaroni until fully coated in the cheese sauce.
7. (Optional) Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs or panko on top, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
For ultra-smooth sauce, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-packaged shredded varieties.
Add-ins like crispy bacon or a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, easy recipe, comfort food, dinner ideas, cheesy pasta