Best Mac & cheese recipe

Mac & cheese

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with a rich and creamy cheese sauce for a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. Its simplicity is part of its charm, relying on basic ingredients like pasta, butter, milk, and cheese to create layers of flavor and texture. 

The cheese sauce, often a blend of sharp and mild varieties, coats each piece of pasta, delivering a velvety richness in every bite. Whether served as a main dish or a side, mac and cheese is a timeless classic that can be easily customized with add-ins like bacon, breadcrumbs, or vegetables to suit any palate.

Ingredients

• - 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
• - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• - 2 cups whole milk
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• - 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
• - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• - 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste. 

Gradually add the milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and ground mustard (if using). Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cooked macaroni. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce.

If you prefer a baked mac & cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac & cheese to a greased baking dish. Combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter (if using), and sprinkle the mixture over the top. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve and enjoy your delicious, creamy mac & cheese! 🧀✨