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Mac and Cheese ingredients – macaroni pasta, butter, flour, milk, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasonings on table.

Classic Mac and Cheese – Creamy & Cheesy Comfort Food

This Classic Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. Made with tender macaroni pasta coated in a rich cheese sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a holiday side dish, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and always a crowd favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 350 g elbow macaroni (or short pasta)
  • 40 g unsalted butter
  • 30 g all-purpose flour
  • 750 ml milk (warm)
  • 200 g cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 100 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 5 g mustard (Dijon or yellow, optional)
  • 2 g garlic powder
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 50 g breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 15 g butter (melted, for topping)

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish (if baking)
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta: Bring salted water to boil, cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    Mac and Cheese step 1 – elbow macaroni freshly boiled and drained in colander.
  2. Make roux: In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until golden.
  3. Add milk: Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth and thickened.
  4. Make cheese sauce: Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until melted into a creamy sauce. Season with mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    Mac and Cheese step 2 – creamy cheese sauce cooking in pan with cheddar and mozzarella melting into milk and butter.
  5. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well.
    Mac and Cheese step 3 – macaroni mixed with creamy cheese sauce in skillet, stirred with wooden spoon.
  6. Bake (optional): Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Bake at 190°C for 15 minutes until golden.
  7. Serve: Enjoy hot and cheesy straight from the pan.
    Mac and Cheese final dish – baked macaroni and cheese in ceramic dish with golden breadcrumb topping.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or cayenne.
  • You can skip baking for a stovetop-only version.
  • Try mixing cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for gourmet flavor.
  • Leftovers keep 2–3 days in the fridge, reheat with a splash of milk.