Description

Craving the ultimate comfort food? This best-ever classic mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner! With its creamy, cheesy goodness and a crunchy golden topping, this dish will quickly become your favorite. It’s a simple, vegetarian dinner recipe that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional for added depth)

For the Optional Crunchy Topping:

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (optional, for added flavor)

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Instructions

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package directions until al dente
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As soon as the butter melts and begins to bubble, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Continue whisking for about 1–2 minutes.
Slowly pour the milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat until it thickens and becomes smooth.
Stir in the mustard powder, garlic powder, and a bit of salt and pepper for added flavor.
Once the sauce reaches a smooth consistency, lower the heat and gradually stir in the cheeses — sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using).
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold everything together.
If you want to add a crunchy breadcrumb topping, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan in a small bowl.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a buttered casserole dish. If you’re using the breadcrumb topping, spread it evenly across the surface of the mac and cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and the top turns golden brown.

Notes

While cheddar and mozzarella offer a perfect balance, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Also, swap out some of the milk for heavy cream if you want an ultra-rich sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes + baking
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop and Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg