Description
Mac and Cheese: A 30-minute, creamy, cozy, oven-baked comfort dish made from scratch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any bite-size pasta)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp mustard powder (optional, for depth)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar and breadcrumbs (if using) over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let stand a few minutes before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Tip: For extra creaminess, use a blend of cheddar with sharp cheddar.
- Make-ahead option: assemble, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake longer (add 5-10 more minutes).
- Want a crunchy topping? Use panko breadcrumbs and a drizzle of melted butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baked in oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 860 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 76 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 127 mg
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Pasta, Quick Dinner