Macaroni and cheese 🧀—the ultimate comfort food. Here’s a classic creamy baked mac & cheese that’s rich, cheesy, and foolproof.
Classic Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (warm)
- 2½–3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
Optional crunchy topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
Instructions
1. Cook pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make cheese sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour; cook 1–2 minutes (don’t brown).
- Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth.
- Simmer 3–5 minutes until thick.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Combine
- Mix pasta with cheese sauce.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
4. Add topping & bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix panko, melted butter, and Parmesan.
- Sprinkle on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips for Best Mac & Cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese—pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Warm milk prevents a lumpy sauce.
- Don’t overbake or it dries out.
Variations
- Stovetop ultra-creamy: skip baking and add a splash of cream.
- Bacon mac: add crispy bacon bits.
- Spicy mac: add jalapeños or cayenne.
- 3-cheese mac: cheddar, gruyère, and mozzarella.
Want a slow cooker mac & cheese, Southern-style baked version, or a quick 15-minute stovetop mac?
