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–+ servings
Close-up of creamy mac and cheese recipe with golden, crispy topping and melted cheese stretch.

mac and cheese recipe

The ultimate creamy baked mac and cheese recipe — rich, cheesy, and golden on top with a smooth, homemade sauce that never turns grainy. A family favorite passed down from Jessica’s grandmother, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. The secret? A real roux, a blend of cheddar and Gruyère, and just a touch of dry mustard and cream cheese for unbeatable creaminess.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: Main Dish Side Dish
Calories: 42
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Elbow macaroni -Cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoon Salt -For pasta water
  • 4 tablespoon Butter -Unsalted
  • 4 tablespoon All-purpose flour -For roux
  • 3 cups Whole milk -Warmed
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese -Freshly grated
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese -Adds nutty depth
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper -Optional adds warmth
  • ½ teaspoon Dry mustard powder -Enhances flavor
  • ½ teaspoon Salt -Adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon Black pepper -Freshly ground
  • 3 tablespoon Cream cheese -Optional for extra creaminess
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs -For topping
  • 2 tablespoon Melted butter -Mixed with breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup Extra cheddar -For topping

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot (For boiling pasta )
  • 1 Medium saucepan (For cheese sauce )
  • 1 Whisk (Essential for smooth roux)
  • 1 Box grater (For freshly grated cheese))
  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish (For baking mac and cheese
  • 1 Measuring cups (For accuracy )

Method
 

  1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook macaroni until just barely done. Drain but do not rinse; set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until fragrant and golden
  3. Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking continuously. Cook for 5 minutes until thickened and smooth. Add mustard powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese one handful at a time until melted and velvety. categor
  5. Toss cooked pasta with cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour into a buttered 9x13 dish. category

Nutrition

Serving: 520gCalories: 42kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 380mgIron: 1.3mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes

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